According to the CDC, there are now 374,329 positive cases of COVID-19 and 12,064 deaths in the U.S. Meanwhile, according to the World Health Organization, there have been more than 1.2 million positive cases of COVID-19 and nearly 73,000 deaths across the globe. Today, Wuhan, China — the city where the coronavirus first emerged — ended its lockdown, which began just over two months ago. The move was made after China reported no new deaths from COVID-19 for the first time since January, according to The New York Times. In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who announced on March 27 that he had tested positive for the coronavirus, is receiving oxygen treatment in intensive care. And, following an increase in reported deaths at nursing homes, France became the fourth country to see more than 10,000 deaths from the coronavirus. Italy, Spain, and the United States were the first three countries to pass the threshold. Meanwhile, The Washington Post reports that New Zealand, which ordered a strict lockdown 10 days ago, has already seen signs of flattening the curve as its number of new cases has fallen for two consecutive days. Here’s what’s happening in metro Detroit:
The state of Michigan today reported 1,749 new cases of COVID-19 and 118 deaths. In total, there have been 18,970 cases and 845 deaths. [Michigan.gov]
In his daily COVID-19 briefing at Eastern Market, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan today shared that more than 6,000 tests have been scheduled at the Michigan State Fair Grounds since the site launched on March 27. Currently, the site is conducting 800 COVID-19 tests a day and aims to be up to 1,000 by April 13. Today, the city tested nearly 160 Detroit Department of Transportation employees for COVID-19, and Duggan says a total of 400 will be tested before the end of this week. The mayor also said that starting on April 8, masks will be available to Detroit bus riders. To watch the entire conference, which includes an overview of the city’s COVID-19 data, visit the City of Detroit Government Facebook page. [Facebook: City of Detroit Government]
According to an ongoing survey by Americans for the Arts, the current financial impact of COVID-19 for Michigan’s arts community is nearly $860,000. Of the survey’s 125 Michigan respondents, 95% have canceled events, which has resulted in $825,769 in total financial loss and $32,994 in total unanticipated expenses. [Metro Times]
The Michigan Senate and House voted today to extend the state’s emergency declaration through April 30. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer first declared a state of emergency in Michigan on March 10 following the confirmation of the first two positive COVID-19 cases in the state. Prior to the extension, the declaration was scheduled to end on April 7. Whitmer originally called for a 70-day extension of the order. [Michigan.gov]
Condado Tacos, a build-your-own taco chain with locations in Royal Oak and Detroit, has launched a new donation program called Bud Boxes for #HealthcareHeroes. Every Tuesday throughout April, local customers can choose to donate $10 Bud Boxes — a meal of two pre-made tacos, chips, and guacamole or queso — to Detroit hospitals when they place an order at Condado for curbside pick-up or delivery. The restaurant chain plans to match donations up to $5,000. [Condado Tacos]
Signarama in Troy, which creates goods such as banners, vehicle wraps, and business cards, announced on Instagram today that it has retooled its equipment to produce face shields for hospital workers and other first responders. In the post, the business shared that it has enough inventory to produce 16,000 masks, and it is currently looking to connect with those who need shields. If you have a tip for Signarama, call 248-585-6880. [Instagram: Signarama Detroit]
Rosh Review, a Detroit-based medical education and technology company, has released a new web-based learning opportunity focused on COVID-19. Identified by emergency physicians currently caring for COVID-19 patients, topics in the quiz cover risk factors associated with the coronavirus, transmission, treatments, prevention, and laboratory findings. The quiz, available for free, is intended to “equip medical professionals with knowledge they need to save lives,” says Dr. Adam Rosh, the founder of Rosh Review. [Rosh Review]
As many household cleaning products are now in short supply, the Michigan Poison Center at Wayne State University in Detroit is urging individuals to not substitute in-home disinfectants with products that are not meant to be used in the house. In a press release, the center stated that misusing items such as automotive cleaning products and industrial cleaning products can be life-threatening, and that washing your hands with soap is still the best way to practice good hygiene. Other recommendations include not using dangerous substitutes for laundry soap to wash clothing, masks, or gloves; not cleaning and reusing disposable gloves; and wiping down hampers with disinfectant and washing laundry bags. [Michigan Poison Center]
Wayne State University is also updating its requirements for students with merit scholarships during this time. To remain eligible for more than 10 scholarships offered at the university for the 2020-2021 school year, students must earn a cumulative 2.0 GPA and complete 67% of their attempted coursework in their degree program. “We recognize the extraordinary challenges our students may be facing during this time,” says Dawn Medley, associate vice president of Enrollment Management at Wayne State. “The university wants to alleviate some of the pressure students are experiencing by allowing them to breathe easier about multiple renewal requirements.” [Wayne State University]
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