Saturday, June 27: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan

389 new cases, 1 new death

Michigan’s daily report of new coronavirus cases saw an increase Friday, June 26, for the fifth consecutive day.

State health officials reported 389 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 1 death over the last 24 hours, according to data from the Department of Health and Human Services.

The additions brought Michigan’s totals to 62,695 known cases and 5,888 deaths linked to the infectious respiratory illness.

Jobbie Nooner proceeds amid pandemic

Jobbie Nooner, which annually attracts thousands of boats and people to Lake St. Clair each summer, was officially set to begin at noon on Friday.

Many boaters docked around submerged Gull Island in St. Clair County. Sgt. Marty Stoyan of the county sheriff’s marine division told the Detroit News that social distancing would be up to the participants.

37 new cases traced to East Lansing bar

 A coronavirus outbreak stemming from an East Lansing bar has climbed to 51 cases in a matter of days.

Health officials first warned of the exposure site on Tuesday, June 23, when there were 14 known COVID-19 coronavirus cases associated with visits to Harper’s Restaurant and Brew Pub between June 12-20. On Wednesday, the case total jumped to 25. By Thursday evening, June 25, 51 cases had been identified, including two in people who didn’t visit the bar but contracted the virus from someone who did, ClickOnDetroit reports.

Oceana County outbreak linked to farms

At least 127 coronavirus cases in Oceana County are linked to outbreaks among workers at five farms or manufacturing facilities in the rural county, health officials say.

That’s about 60 percent of the county’s 214 confirmed positive cases, according to data from District Health Department #10, which serves 10 northwestern Michigan counties including Oceana, Newaygo and Mecosta.

Health officials held a press conference Friday, June 26, to discuss a recent surge in COVID-19 cases in Oceana County. The number of new daily cases tripled this week compared to the week before.

Whitmer moves to protect nursing homes

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday, June 26, issued two executive orders meant to protect residents and staff at nursing homes, which have been hit disproportionately hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

As of June 25, the state had recorded 7,304 confirmed cases and 2,064 deaths involving nursing home residents, in addition to 21 staff deaths and 3,207 cases. Nursing home patients account for more than a third of Michigan’s 5,887 deaths.

Whitmer on Friday ordered the formation of a 20-member nursing home preparedness task force aimed at analyzing and reporting nursing home data, issuing recommendations to Whitmer on a possible “action plan on how to prepare nursing homes for any future wave of COVID-19 cases,” among other duties.

Detroit casinos prep for reopening

The teased date of Michigan’s move to phase 5 of reopening amid the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic is coming up next week, and that could mean the reopening of Detroit casinos.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said earlier this month that she’d like to open businesses like gyms by the Fourth of July. Gyms, along with state-licensed casinos and movie theaters, are part of phase 5 of Michigan’s economic reopening plan.

Grand Haven distillery closes over infection

An employee of a Grand Haven distillery has tested positive for the coronavirus, prompting the business to temporarily close until all of its employees are tested.

Long Road Distillers, 18 Washington Ave., announced on Facebook that the employee last worked a shift at the bar on Thursday, June 18.

The employee did not show any symptoms of COVID-19 and passed a required wellness check at the start of her shift, Kyle VanStrien, the distillery’s co-owner, told MLive on Friday, June 26. The employee was wearing a mask during her shift, which is required for all the distillery’s employees, he said.

Coronavirus cases continue decline in Muskegon

Despite businesses across the state reopening and residents venturing out of their homes, the number of new coronavirus cases has not swayed from its downward trajectory in Muskegon County, health officials say.

The county’s residents have continued to do an “amazing” job at containing the virus, said Kathy Moore, director of the Muskegon County health department.

Health officials reported 41 new positive cases in Muskegon County over the past week, averaging 5.86 new cases a day. That compares to one month ago, when the county reported 70 new coronavirus cases between May 21 and May 27, or an average of 10 new cases a day.

Coronavirus halts bank acquisition

The Bank of Ann Arbor is terminating its contract to acquire First National Bank in Howell, the company announced this week.

Ann Arbor Bancorp, Inc., the holding company, announced in February that it would acquire the Howell bank but the two decided to terminate the agreement in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the company announced on Thursday.

The merger would have brought together $2.2 billion in assets and 300 employees in 17 locations in Livingston, Washtenaw, Wayne and Oakland counties, the company previously said.

Kent County to offer free testing

The Kent County Health Department is hosting a free COVID-19 community testing days on Monday, June 29 in partnership with the Black Impact Collaborative and LINC UP.

The community testing event scheduled from 2 to 7 p.m. at the LINC UP Gallery, located at 1167 Madison Ave. SE, according to a Friday, June 26 press release.

Health officials say African Americans have 19.25% of the COVID-19 cases but make up 10% of Kent County’s population, while the Latinx community account for 39.4% of the COVID-19 cases and also comprise 10% of the population.

Traverse City IRONMAN rescheduled

It was a difficult decision for Traverse City Tourism president and CEO Trevor Tkach to make but it’s one many annual events and celebrations have been resigned to given the current global coronavirus pandemic.

Tkach released a statement Friday morning announcing the official cancelation of the 2020 IRONMAN 70.3 Traverse City Triathlon in response to the health and safety issues that would be presented during a large gathering such as the popular northern Michigan competition.

Whitmer extends eviction restrictions

An ongoing suspension on evictions proceedings in Michigan will be extended through July 15, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered Friday.

The new order, which extends a temporary ban on evicting renters due to the COVID-19 pandemic, also establishes a new “Eviction Diversion Program” to help people still struggling with rent get financial assistance or establish a manageable payment plan.

Under the new program, $50 million in rental assistance will be available beginning July 16, according to a news release from Whitmer’s office. Funding for the program comes from federal coronavirus aid awarded to the state and approved in a spending bill passed by the Michigan Legislature on June 17.

COVID-19 PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.

Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible.

Use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and carry hand sanitizer with you when you go into places like stores.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also issued an executive order requiring people to wear face coverings over their mouth and nose while inside enclosed, public spaces.

Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.