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Coronavirus Tracker | Cases climb to 3,271 with over 400 reported in Oakland County
This continuously updated post includes details of Michigan's confirmed COVID-19 cases, maps of locations, state curve data, what the state is doing to contain the spread, and expert suggestions on how you can stay safe.
As more students head back, here’s what we now know (and still don’t) about schools and COVID spread
There has been no effort from the federal government to systematically track school openings and COVID outbreaks. That means we are often relying on data from those who volunteer it, and lack good information about how schools that have reopened might differ from those that have not.
Michigan hospitals turn to $15 minimum wage to fill job openings
Two of the state’s largest health care systems bumped minimum wages to $15 an hour amid competition for entry-level workers. Nursing home employees in 14 southeast Michigan nursing homes also are on their way to pay increases.
Michigan retailers worry COVID spike will keep customers away. Again.
It’s been a hard year for stores and restaurants. Now they head into winter amid worry that a second wave of COVID-19 will hinder sales during the critical holiday season.
COVID outbreaks slowing at Michigan K-12 schools, dropping at colleges
There are outbreaks in 99 Michigan school buildings, and more than 4,400 cases on college campuses. Still, there were signs the spread was slowing or receding in the past week.
Opinion | What Lansing got right: working together to educate more in Michigan
Honoring essential workers with free tuition is good public policy.
As Mackinac Island empties for winter, COVID arrives for a stay
Tourists flooded onto the iconic Michigan landmark during the second half of the summer. Somehow, the island escaped large COVID-19 outbreaks. That has now changed.
Michigan hospitals paid bonuses amid COVID, then took bailouts, cut jobs
Beaumont Health and Henry Ford Health System, two of the state’s largest nonprofit systems, awarded executive bonuses in March, as the pandemic descended on the state. They then laid off thousands and accepted more than $700 million in U.S. taxpayer funds.
Michigan Christian school shut over COVID, files ‘religious liberty’ suit
Libertas Christian School in Hudsonville says health rules infringe on its religious liberties and free speech. Health officials say two teachers tested positive for COVID-19 and the school won’t cooperate with contact tracers.
West Michigan schools to community: Mask up for COVID or we close down
In an unusually blunt letter expressing the limits of their ability to control COVID-19 spread, 46 school superintendents pleaded with their communities to mask-up to help keep schools open.
Despite rise in COVID, Michigan State to offer more classes, dorm housing
Saying coronavirus cases are the result of off-campus partying rather than classroom interaction, MSU is moving aggressively to increase in-person classes and on-campus housing beginning in January.
Opinion | Education is failing in the coronavirus pandemic
COVID cases are on the rise again, and despite our best efforts, the current in-person models of opening and closing schools don’t seem sustainable long-term.
Another casualty of COVID: testing for lead poisoning in Michigan
In old paint, water pipes and the ground, lead can leave a child with a lifetime of learning problems and mental health issues. But during the pandemic, the number of children being tested for poisoning has been cut in half.
Months after COVID, 1 in 4 Michiganders studied have yet to recover
In a study of people who suffered severe to minimal symptoms, there were significant levels of fatigue, shortness of breath and stress. Researchers at the University of Michigan will continue to examine the ongoing toll in the state.
Mail delivery delays up in southeast Michigan in weeks before election
A new report finds that the U.S. Postal Service’s Detroit District had the worst on-time delivery rate of any region in the nation in the last period available. That’s increased some fears about the delivery of absentee ballots.
Michigan business leaders urge Whitmer and Republicans to unite on COVID
Some of the state’s top CEOs sent a letter Wednesday urging Republican lawmakers and the state’s Democratic governor to present a united front on coronavirus safety measures as Michigan braces for a second wave of the virus.
Some Michigan Republicans propose local opt-out for COVID lockdown orders
House Republicans want to allow communities with low rates to opt out of mask mandates, business rules and the like. Few counties meet those thresholds now.
Why it still matters whether Michigan K-12 students contract COVID
Very few young people infected by COVID-19 become seriously ill. But public health experts say the transmission of the virus among healthy students can endanger more vulnerable Michiganders.
As COVID spreads, University of Michigan’s 31,000 undergrads ordered to stay home
In issuing the order, which runs until Election Day, local health and university officials are trying to rein in student social gatherings in an effort to flatten a spike in coronavirus cases. But, hey, football games will go on.
Michigan college freshman enrollment drops amid COVID. Will they return?
Michigan’s public universities and community colleges report thousands fewer college freshmen, echoing national trends. Studies show that many students who do not go directly to college never enroll.