One new case of coronavirus confirmed in Macomb County, Michigan total up to 54
Michigan health officials confirmed one new case of coronavirus, raising the state total to 54.
The case is an adult female from Macomb County with a history of domestic travel.
Since the first round of confirmations on March 10, the COVID-19 virus has spread to 12 counties, stretching from almost every county in southeast Michigan up to the state's northern half of the lower peninsula.
The spread of the virus is indicative that transmission isn't coming from travelers out of state, but between residents in Michigan.
As the state total incrementally climbs, state officials have begun enacting more drastic measures to reduce the number of places coronavirus can be spread.
On the heels of governor orders from Ohio and Illinois, Whitmer announced new restrictions on several kinds of businesses in Michigan to close or severely restrict crowds and foot traffic inside those establishments.
The Whitmer Administration has also taken other measures as well:
- Expanding unemployment benefits to workers who may be experiencing unanticipated responsibilities due to coronavirus
- Outlawing price gouging on goods, materials, emergency supplies and consumer food items linked to the COVID-19 state of emergency
- Waive weight restrictions on vehicles supporting COVID-19 relief efforts
While these measures feel drastic, officials argue they are instrumental in reducing the potential spike in positive cases. While the measures may not reduce the number of cases that will be confirmed, it will slow the rate at which the disease can spread. Epidemiologists call this 'flattening the curve.'
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Symptoms for coronavirus COVID-19 include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath. These, of course, are similar to the common cold and flu.
Expect a common cold to start out with a sore or scratchy throat, cough, runny and/or stuffy nose. Flu symptoms are more intense and usually come on suddenly, and can include a high fever.
Symptoms of COVID-19 may appear more slowly. They usually include fever, a dry cough and noticeable shortness of breath, according to the World Health Organization. A minority of cases develop pneumonia, and the disease is especially worrisome for the elderly and those with other medical problems such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes or heart conditions.
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Right now there's one big difference between flu and coronavirus: A vaccine exists to help prevent the flu and it's not too late to get it. It won't protect you from catching the coronavirus but may put you in a better position to fight it.
To protect yourself, wash your hands well and often, keep them away from your face, and avoid crowds and standing close to people.
And if you do find yourself showing any of these flu or coronavirus symptoms - don't go straight to your doctor's office. That just risks making more people sick, officials urge. Call ahead, and ask if you need to be seen and where.
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