Coronavirus in Michigan: Here’s where we stand as of Sunday night – WDIV ClickOnDetroit

DETROIT – The coronavirus (COVID-19) death toll in Michigan rose to nine Sunday, while the number of confirmed cases broke 1,000.

Read a full weekend recap here.

Death toll rises to 9

The Washtenaw County Health Department announced the state’s ninth COVID-19 death.

The victim was an older man with underlying health issues, officials said. He was hospitalized Saturday and died Sunday.

It is the first coronavirus-related death in the county. The county has 35 confirmed cases of the virus.

The state-reported total number of confirmed cases is 1,041.

MORE: Here’s which Michigan counties have confirmed cases of coronavirus

Lapeer County prison employee has COVID-19

An employee at Thumb Correctional Facility in Lapeer County has coronavirus.

Officials said the employee is not a resident of the county.

Officials are working with the Michigan Department of Corrections to contact the people who may have been exposed to the person.

Automakers to make ventilators

President Donald Trump said Ford, General Motors and Tesla are able to produce ventilators and other metal products for health facilities.

GM has already been working with Ventec, a medical device company, and StopTheSpread.org to assist with increasing ventilator production.

Other Michigan companies are also stepping up to help make products outside of their normal items. On Friday, breweries and distillers were authorized to make hand sanitizer with denatured alcohol, a byproduct of the brewing process.

READ: Brewery, distillery team up to make hand sanitizer

Wayne State student tests positive for COVID-19

A Wayne State University student in the Anthony Wayne Drive Apartments has coronavirus, officials.

The student will be quarantined in Atchison Hall. A floor of the dorm building is reserved for quarantining students.

Last week, the school announced that two employees had the virus.

Person-to-person spread

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Can someone spread the virus without being sick?

• People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
• Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

How easily the virus spreads

How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

MORE: Beaumont Health launches coronavirus hotline for patients with symptoms

People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Question about coronavirus? Ask Dr. McGeorge here.