Michigan Coronavirus Deaths Surpass 13,000 Thursday

MICHIGAN — Michigan added 4,015 new cases of the coronavirus and an additional 176 COVID-19 deaths Thursday, according to data released by state health officials.

Of the 176 reported deaths, officials said 138 were identified through a vital records review and occurred previously. More than 13,000 people in Michigan have died from complications with COVID-19, according to state data. Michigan has reported 512,751 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state.

On Wednesday, the state added 4,326 new COVID-19 cases and 51 new COVID-19 deaths. When healthcare officials last updated the number of people in Michigan who had recovered from the coronavirus, the number stood at 363,611.

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Also on Wednesday, state healthcare officials announced 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.

"This change is good news for our families or frontline workers and small businesses," Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said during a news conference Wednesday. "We want to make sure that when it becomes available to you, you are ready and we ask that you're patient."

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The state also slightly eased some restrictions, announcing that a limited number of fans would be allowed at fall sporting events.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said Wednesday that it would allow spectators at sporting events in limited numbers. Football teams will be given 125 tickets for games, while volleyball teams will receive 50 tickets per game, according to the MHSAA.

Spectators in different households must be spaced out by six feet and maintain distancing at all other times including arrival and departure from the game facility, according to a news release. They are also required to wear masks at all times.

That announcement came as many high school teams are on the verge of tournaments in football and volleyball.