Michigan Adds 3,625 New Coronavirus Cases, 38 Deaths Friday

MICHIGAN — Michigan reported 3,625 new coronavirus cases and 38 more COVID-19 deaths Friday, state health officials said.

Updated coronavirus figures in Michigan now show that 516,376 cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed while 13,132 deaths have been attributed to COVID-19.

As of last week, more than 363,000 people in the state had recovered from the illness, according to state health officials.

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Michigan reported 4,015 new cases of the coronavirus and an additional 176 COVID-19 deaths Thursday, according to data released by state health officials. The state eclipsed 13,000 COVID-19 deaths Thursday as a result.

Generally speaking, officials said coronavirus numbers have plateaued. On Friday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that the state is aiming at all K-12 schools having the option for students to return to in-person instruction by March.

In a news conference, Whitmer said the decision is based on science, explaining that over the last nine months medical experts and epidemiologists have closely followed data she said suggests schools can establish a low risk of COVID-19 transmission by ensuring everyone wears masks and takes other preventative measures.

"The value of in-person learning for our kids is immeasurable," Whitmer said. "We must do everything we can to help our kids get a great education they need, and to do so safely."

Friday's announcement was the second substantial update from state officials this week. On Wednesday, officials said that Michigan was moving to a new phase of its vaccination rollout plan. The accelerated move means Michiganders 65 and older and some frontline essential workers will be able to receive COVID-19 vaccinations beginning Monday.

Police officers, first responders, frontline state and federal workers and jail and prison staff as well as PreK-12 teachers and child care providers are among the front-line workers able to receive COVID-19 vaccines beginning Monday, according to the state.