Monthly Archives: April 2020

COVID Deaths in Detroit Surpass 1,000; New Daily Death Numbers Decreasing

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According to the State of Michigan, the total number of COVID cases in Michigan rose above 40,000 on April 29, bringing the new total to 40,399, an increase of 1,137 cases from the previous day. This total  was equivalent to 404.5 cases per 100,000 people (Chart 4) on April 29. The five-day rolling average for the total number of COVID cases (Chart 1) reflects a smoother curve and adjusts for fluctuations in testing or the quality of reporting or failure to report. The five day rolling average means  our daily case and death charts lags two days behind. Based on this approach, the COVID cases increased to 38,570.

In Chart 2, which reflects the five-day rolling averages at the County level and for the City of Detroit,  we continue to see Detroit and Wayne County having the highest number of cases at 8,722 and 7,245 on April 27, respectively.  Those case numbers appear to be increasing at a higher rate than those in Oakland and Macomb counties, which were recorded at 6,979 and 5,291, respectively on April 27. Additionally, we have yet to see slower rate of increase in the number of cases at the State level and in Detroit, Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

We continue to see both an overall and recent decline in the number of new daily COVID cases in Chart 3. While the number of new reported cases is reliant on testing for the virus, there is hope that the decrease in new cases reflects a slower spread of the virus.

The daily data highlighted in these posts is from Michigan.gov/coronavirus, where data is updated daily at 3 p.m. Historical data was supplied from covidtracking.com, which republishes COVID data from the State.

The City of Detroit had 1,332 COVID cases per 100,000 people on April 29, an increase from 1,310 the day before (Chart 4). This is based upon a reported increase of 146 new cases, bringing the total number of COVID cases in Detroit to 8,957. Wayne County reported 1,120 cases per 100,000 people, and Oakland County had 1,064 cases per 100,000. These April 29 per capita rates were based upon 7,537 cases for Wayne and 7,159 for Oakland. Macomb County reported 807 cases per 100,000 people, which is based upon 5,430 cases.

Chart 5 shows that Detroit and Wayne County had the highest number of new COVID cases per 100,000 people on April 29. Detroit had 22 new COVID cases on April 29 per 100,000, which was equivalent to 146 new cases, and Wayne County continued to have 16 new cases per 100,000 people (the same rate as the day before) which was equivalent to 175 new cases. This chart also shows that Oakland County’s per capita rate of new COVID cases per 100,000 people rose above the State’s rate on April 29. Oakland County’s rate was 12 new COVID cases per 100,000 people, which was equivalent to 147 new cases, and Michigan’s rate was 11.4 new COVID cases per day. The State’s per capita rate was equivalent to 1,137 new cases per day.

In Chart 6 the five-day rolling average for the number of deaths shows a continuing steady increase (a lagged number of 3,446 deaths, an increase of 117 deaths). The actual reported COVID-19 deaths reached 3,670 on April 29, an increase of 103 deaths from the day prior. Chart 7, a five-day rolling average chart, shows how the new data reflects another decline in the number of additional deaths statewide.

Chart 8, a five-day rolling average for the number of COVID deaths by each county, shows how Detroit continues to pull farther away from the other units in Southeastern Michigan when looking at the total number of COVID deaths. Wayne County, which has the second highest number of deaths, and Oakland County follow a similar pattern in COVID death totals and remain close in their numbers. Macomb County consistently has the fourth highest total number of deaths and its rate of increase appears to have experienced an uptick since mid-April.

Chart 9 shows how Detroit’s numbers of additional deaths have been declining, which is likely part of the cause of the decline at the state level. The same pattern is occurring  in Oakland County’s counts of additional deaths.  The number of daily deaths in Macomb County has been increasing over the last several days though.

Chart 10 represents the total number of COVID deaths per 100,000 people. For Detroit on April 29 there were 150 COVID deaths per 100,000 people (representing 1,008 deaths). In Wayne County there were 107 COVID deaths per 100,000 people (719 total deaths), in Oakland County there were 99 deaths per 100,000 people (668 total deaths), and in Macomb County there were 89 COVID deaths per 1000,000 people on April 29 (597 total). The State of Michigan had 38 COVID deaths per 100,000 people, a rate which was lower than the four entities discussed above. Wayne and Macomb counties both reported 25 new deaths on April 29; Detroit had 20.

The fatality rate in the City of the Detroit increased to 11.3 percent on April 29, which is higher than the State’s fatality rate (9.1 percent) and the rates of the counties in Southeastern Michigan. The fatality rate in Macomb County continued to increase on April 29, reaching 11 percent for the first time. The fatality rate in Monroe County continued to decline.

The total number of deaths in Detroit surpassed 1,000 on April 29, accounting for 27% of the 3,670 deaths in the State. So, while the number of daily deaths in Detroit has been declining in recent days, it’s clear the overall impact of the virus continues to hit Detroit hard. Detroit has experienced the largest decline in the number of additional COVID deaths in recent days, which could be a cautious sign of hope.

Rate of Spread in Southeastern Michigan Shows Signs of Slowing

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According to the State of Michigan, the total number of COVID cases in Michigan increased to 38,210 on April 28, which was an increase of 432 cases from the previous day. This total  was equivalent to 393 cases per 100,000 people (Chart 4) on April 28. The five-day rolling average for the total number of COVID cases (Chart 1) reflects a smoother curve and adjusts for fluctuations in testing or the quality of reporting or failure to report. The five day rolling average means  our daily case and death charts will lag two days behind. Based on this approach, the COVID cases increased to 37,819. While the increase in the number of cases has slowed down, both Charts 1 and 2 show that we have yet to reach a plateau at the State level and for the largest counties in Southeastern Michigan. In Chart 2 it appears the counties (Wayne, Oakland and Macomb) and Detroit are experiencing a slower rate of increase now than the State of Michigan, but the increase is still there. The State’s continued increase is likely a result of increased COVID spread in areas such as Kent County, where health officials said they don’t expect a peak for another few weeks, according to Bridge Magazine.

Chart 2 reflects the five-day rolling averages at the County level and for the City of Detroit. Detroit continues to have the highest number of confirmed cases, recorded at 8,625 on April 26.  The number of cases in Wayne County increased to 7,125 for a five-day rolling average on April 26 while in Oakland County the number of cases increased to 6,908 and in Macomb County it increased to 5,210.

Chart 3 does show though an overall decline in the number of new daily COVID cases, with exception of a couple single day spikes for Detroit, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. With the continued increase in attempts to test more people for the virus it is very likely these spikes are a result of increased testing.

The daily data highlighted in these posts is from Michigan.gov/coronavirus, where data is updated daily at 3 p.m. Historical data was supplied from covidtracking.com, which republishes COVID data from the State.

The City of Detroit had 1,310 COVID cases per 100,000 people on April 28, an increase from 1,290 the day before (Chart 4). This is based upon a reported increase of 132 new cases, bringing the total number of COVID cases in Detroit to 8,811. Wayne County reported 1,094 cases per 100,000 people, and Oakland County had 1,042 cases per 100,000. These per capita rates were based upon 7,362 and 7,012 COVID cases on April 28, respectively. Macomb County reported 794 cases per 100,000 people, which is based upon 5,339 cases.

Chart 5 shows that Detroit and Wayne County had the highest number of new COVID cases per 100,000 people on April 28. Detroit had 20 new COVID cases on April 28 per 100,000, which was equivalent to 132 new cases, and Wayne County had 16 new cases per 100,000 people which was equivalent to 169 new cases.

In Chart 6 the five-day rolling average for the number of deaths shows a continuing steady increase (a lagged number of 3,330 deaths, an increase of 118 deaths). The actual reported COVID-19 deaths reached 3,567 on April 28, an increase of 160 deaths from the day prior. Of the 160 reported new deaths, 40 of them were added to the April 28 daily total because of Vital Records and coronavirus database comparison the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services does three times a week. Chart 7, a five-day rolling average chart, reflects a smoother data set for instances such as this. Overall, Chart 7 indicates a recent decline in the number of new daily COVID deaths.

Chart 8, a five-day rolling average for the number of COVID deaths by each county, shows that the total number of deaths in Detroit continues to have a far higher rate of increase than the other units. Wayne County is second, followed by Oakland and Macomb counties. Each county but Monroe and St. Clair experienced an increase in the total number of deaths. These increases continue to be represented in Chart 9, but show a recent decline in the number of daily deaths for Detroit and Oakland County. Macomb County on the other hand has experienced a recent increase.

Chart 10 represents the total number of COVID deaths per 100,000 people. For Detroit on April 28 there were 147 COVID deaths per 100,000 people (representing 988 deaths). In Wayne County there were 103 COVID deaths per 100,000 people (694 total deaths), in Oakland County there were 97 deaths per 100,000 people (654 total deaths) and in Macomb County there were 85 COVID deaths per 1000,000 people on April 28 (572 total). The State of Michigan had 36 COVID deaths per 100,000 people, a rate which was lower than the four entities discussed above. Additionally, Macomb County experienced the highest number of new daily COVID deaths at 45 on April 28; Detroit had 38 new deaths.

The fatality rate in the City of the Detroit increased to 11.2 percent on April 28, which is higher than the State’s fatality rate (9.1 percent) and the rates of the counties in Southeastern Michigan. The fatality rate in Macomb County also spiked up on April 28 to 10.7 percent. The increases in these rates may be reflective of the additional 40 deaths the State reported on April 28 as a result of their database comparison method to discover additional COVID deaths. Monroe and Washtenaw counties experienced small decreases in their fatality rates.

The rate at which the virus is spreading in Southeastern Michigan appears to be declining at a faster rate than the spread statewide. This is likely because areas such as Kent County are not expecting their peak until mid-May. Such factors will certainly a play a role in determining what regions of the state will re-open when. Just because one area lags behind in terms of the rate of spread does not mean another area can’t experience a second peak due to travel, even within the state. 

Michigan COVID Cases Reach 38,210; Decline Yet to Be Seen

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According to the State of Michigan, the total number of COVID cases in Michigan increased to 38,210 on April 27, which was an increase of 432 cases from the previous day. This total  was equivalent to 382 cases per 100,000 people (Chart 3) on April 27. The five-day rolling average for the total number of (Chart 1) reflects a smoother curve and adjusts for fluctuations in testing or the quality of reporting or failure to report. The five day rolling average means  our daily case and death charts will lag two days behind. The COVID cases increased to 37,025, based on this approach. Even with the smoothing, however, there is no decline.

Chart 2 reflects the five-day rolling averages at the County level and for the City of Detroit. As was shown in Chart 2, Detroit continues to have the highest number of confirmed cases, recorded at 8,526 on April 25.  The number of cases in Wayne County increased to 6,988 for a five-day rolling average on April 25 while in Oakland County the number of cases increased to 6,832 and in Macomb County it increased to 5,114.

The City of Detroit showed total COVID per capita cases of 1,289 per 100,000 people on April 27, an increase from 1,280 the day before (Chart 3); this represents a reported increase of 66 new cases. Wayne County reported 1,069 cases per 100,000 people, and Macomb County had 795 cases per 100,000. The per capita rate in Oakland County dropped to 1,028 cases per 100,000 people, when it was 1,030 the day prior. This is a result of the State reporting a decrease in the total number of cases between April 26 and 27. This is likely a lapse in reporting reflected in Chart 3, Chart 4 and Chart 5. Macomb County had the highest per capita increase between April 26 and April 27 at 22 new cases per 100,000 people.

The daily data highlighted in these posts is from Michigan.gov/coronavirus, where data is updated daily at 3 p.m. Historical data was supplied from covidtracking.com, which republishes COVID data from the State.

As noted, Chart 4 shows that Oakland County had 0 new cases reported on April 27; this is due to the State reporting a decreased number of cases between April 26 and 27. To reflect this we show no new cases being reported on April 27 for Oakland County. (We’ll be checking on this number.) Macomb County reported the highest number of new COVID cases on April 27 at 142, Detroit reported 66, and Wayne County reported 58.

Chart 5 again shows that Macomb County had the highest increase in the number of new COVID cases between April 26 and April 27. On April 27 Macomb County reported 16 new COVID cases per 100,000 people; that County reported 7 new COVID cases per 100,000 on April 26. In Detroit there were 10 new COVID cases per 100,000 people from April 26 to April 27. In Wayne County there were 5 new COVID cases per 100,000 people on April 27 compared to 13 on April 26.

In Chart 6 the five-day rolling average for the number of deaths shows a continuing steady increase (a lagged number of 3,212 deaths, an increase of 119 deaths). The actual reported COVID-19 deaths reached 3,407 on April 27, an increase of 92 deaths from the day prior (Chart 7).

Breaking down the five-day rolling average of COVID deaths, Detroit still has a far higher rate of increase than the other units. Wayne County is second, followed by Oakland and Macomb counties. Each county but Monroe and St. Clair experienced an increase in the total number of deaths. These increases continue to be represented in Charts 9 and 10.

Chart 9 represents the total number of COVID deaths per 100,000 people. For Detroit on April 27 there were 141 COVID deaths per 100,000 people (equivalent to 950 deaths). In Wayne County there were 100 COVID deaths per 100,000 people (672 total deaths), in Oakland County there were 94 deaths per 100,000 people (631 total deaths) and in Macomb County there were 78 COVID deaths per 1000,000 people on April 27 (672 total). Detroit, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties all experienced a small increase in the number of new deaths, with Detroit experiencing an increase of 28 and Wayne County experiencing an increase of 14. 

Chart 10 shows the five-day rolling average for the number of new COVID deaths, Here we see a number of counties showing a decline in additional deaths, a good sign if this trend continues.

Notably in Chart 11 we see that the fatality rate in Detroit on April 27 decreased from 10.7 percent to 10.1 percent. The data also shows that the fatality rate in Macomb County is slowly decreasing. Just last week it was the highest in the region and now it has decreased below Detroit’s rate and from its peak of 10.1 percent to 9.9 percent. The State’s fatality rate on April 27 was 8.9 percent, a small decrease from the fatality rate the day prior. These declines may represent real changes or simply an increase in testing (the denominator here).

It appears as though the number of deaths is slowing, however we also know that the State releases additional COVID death numbers through another method of confirmation sporadically throughout the week. Such data releases could reveal that we are not slowing the spread and impact of the virus as much as we think. The Governor did note yesterday that they believe there is a plateauing in the number of cases and deaths in the State.

Five-Day Rolling Averages Paint More Vivid Picture on COVID Spread in Michigan

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The total number of COVID cases in Michigan increased to 37,778 on April 26 (Chart 1), compared to  37,203 the day before; this was a 575 daily case increase. This was equivalent to 378 cases per 100,000 people (Chart 2) on April 26.

In Chart 2, and subsequent Charts throughout this post (Charts 4, 9, 12, 15), you will also see the five-day rolling averages for the number of confirmed cases and deaths throughout the State and Southeastern Michigan. By using a 5-day simple moving average we are able to smooth out the data, making it less sensitive to changes in testing. This formula helps to adjust for changes or increasing in testing or fluctuations in the quality of reporting or failure to report.  Technically, we take information from the two days before and two days after in addition to information from the reported data from each day and sum that information and divide by 5. On April 24, which is the most recent data we have for the 5-day rolling average, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Michigan was 36,176.

The total number of COVID cases reported to date in the City of Detroit reached 8,613 on April 26. Wayne County (excluding Detroit) had 7,135 cases, Oakland County had 6,928 cases, and Macomb County had 5,203 cases (Chart 3). The number of confirmed cases in Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe and St. Clair counties combined totaled 1,892, a 50 case increase since Friday.

Chart 4 reflects the 5-day rolling averages at the County level and for the City of Detroit. As was shown in Chart 3, Detroit continues to have the highest number of confirmed cases, recorded at 8,395 on April 24. Oakland and Wayne counties follow similar trends in these daily reports. On April 24 Oakland County had 6,742 cases and Wayne County had 6,856 cases. 

The daily data highlighted in these posts is from Michigan.gov/coronavirus, where data is updated daily at 3 p.m. Historical data was supplied from covidtracking.com, which republishes COVID data from the State.

people on April 26, an increase from 1,271 the day before (Chart 5). Wayne County reported 1,061 cases per 100,000 people, and Oakland County’s cases per 100,000 was 1,030. Macomb County had 773 COVID cases per 100,000 people. Wayne County experienced the highest increase at 20 cases per capita between April 25 and April 26. Additionally, this chart shows the number of COVID cases in Michigan per 100,000 people was 378.3. Detroit, Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties all had higher per capita rates than the State.

Chart 6 shows that the daily increases in the number of new COVID cases.

Wayne County had the highest increase in the number of new daily COVID cases at 135 on April 26. In fact, Wayne and St. Clair counties were the only two to post COVID increases between April 25 and April 26. St. Clair County had 5 total new COVID cases, which was 2 more than the day before. Detroit had 65 new cases on April 26, a decrease from the 75 posted the day before. Oakland County reported 47 new COVID cases on April 26 while Macomb County reported 64.

Chart 7 further shows how Wayne County was the only one in the region to exhibit a visible increase in the number of daily confirmed COVID cases. Wayne County reported 13 new COVID cases per 100,000 people while Detroit reported 10, Oakland County reported 4 and Macomb County reported 7.

It was reported by the State of Michigan that on April 26 the total of COVID-19 deaths reached 3,315 (Chart 8). The 3,315 total deaths reported for April 26 was 41 deaths higher than what was reported on April 25 (Chart 10). The 41 new deaths reported on April 26 was the lowest number of new deaths reported in the State since March 29.

Chart 9 is another new chart showing the 5-day rolling average for total COVID deaths in Michigan. On April 24 there were 3,093 deaths.

Of the total number of raw deaths reported, Detroit and Wayne County each had 10 new deaths, Oakland County had 8 and Macomb County had 3 on April 26. The number of new deaths reported on April 26 is significantly lower than the numbers reported on April 25-Detroit alone had 73 new deaths on April 25 and Wayne County had 35 new deaths (Chart 14). The addition of these new daily deaths brings the totals to the following: 922 COVID deaths in Detroit, 520 in Macomb County, 620 in Oakland County, and 658 in Wayne County (Chart 11).

When looking at the 5-day rolling averages for the number of new daily COVID deaths and overall death totals we again see smoother lines, specifically in Chart 15. Using the 5-day rolling average for the number of new daily COVID deaths we see the growth of COVID deaths over time, but it appears each governmental unit is now showing declines in their rolling averages. The number of new daily COVID deaths peaked on April 9 in Oakland County at 26, for Wayne County the peak occurred on April 11 at 34 new deaths and for Macomb County the peak was on April 15 with 31 new deaths. Detroit appeared to peak at 54 cases and dropped to 39. Wayne and Oakland counties reported 22 and 23 new deaths, respectively.  Even with a rolling average, the tendency for deaths to drop on weekends because of slower reporting could be a reason for these results.

The cumulative number of COVID fatalities per 100,000 people was 137 for Detroit, 98 for Wayne County, 92 for Oakland County and 77 for Macomb County (Chart 13).

Chart 16  shows that the fatality rate for Michigan slightly decreased to 8.7 percent; it was at 8.8 percent the day prior. The fatality rates for Macomb County, Detroit and Wayne County all remained above the State’s rate (the dotted red line) on April 26. Detroit’s fatality rate became the highest in region at 10.7 percent while Macomb County’s decreased to 10 percent. Oakland and Wayne counties had fatality rates at 9 and 9.2 percent, respectively.

The data has shown possible slowing of the spread of the virus in Michigan has slowed down. However, a Free Press article from April 26 said testing has slowed down in Michigan due to a shortage of supplies, such as swabs and reagents. With a decrease in the number of tests available this will certainly impact the number of cases the state reports.

Michigan’s Stay-at-Home Order Extended, Impacts of Virus Continued to be Monitored

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The total number of COVID cases in Michigan increased to 36,641 on April 24 (Chart 1), compared to  35,291 the day before; this was a 1,350 daily case increase. This was equivalent to 367 cases per 100,000 people (Chart 2) on April 24.

The total number of COVID cases reported to date in the City of Detroit reached 8,473 on April 24. Wayne County (excluding Detroit) had 6,934 cases, Oakland County had 6,804 cases, and Macomb County had 5,022 cases (Chart 3). The number of confirmed cases in Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe and St. Clair counties combined totaled 1,842.

The daily data highlighted in these posts is from Michigan.gov/coronavirus, where data is updated daily at 3 p.m. Historical data was supplied from covidtracking.com, which republishes COVID data from the State.

The City of Detroit showed total COVID per capita cases of 1,260 per 100,000 people on April 24, an increase from 1,236 the day before (Chart 4). Wayne County reported 1,031 cases per 100,000 people, and Oakland County’s cases per 100,000 was 1,012. Macomb County had 747 COVID cases per 100,000 people. Wayne County experienced the highest increase at 38 cases per capita between April 23 and April 24.

Chart 5 shows that the daily increases in the number of new COVID cases. Detroit and all the counties but Wayne County experienced a decrease in the number of new daily cases between April 23 and April 24. On April 24 Wayne County reported 257 new COVID cases and on April 23 142 new cases were reported. Oakland County reported 170 new COVID cases on April 24 while Macomb County reported 160 and Detroit reported 156. The high increase for Wayne County may be reflective of additional testing becoming available throughout the County.

Chart 6 follows a similar trend to Chart 5 in that Wayne County was the only to post an increase in the number of new COVID cases per 100,000 people. On April 24 there were 24 new COVID cases per 100,000 people in Wayne County; there were 13 new cases per 100,000 people the day before. On a per capita basis, Detroit had 23 new COVID cases per 100,000 people on April 24 while Macomb County had 14 and Oakland County had 18.

In addition to the raw data of confirmed cases, we also show the percent change in the number of cases reported day-to-day. In Chart 7 we see the raw data in the percent change, which shows that on April 24 the percent change from April 23 was 3.8 percent; this was a decrease from the percent change of 3.9 percent recorded on April 23.

It was reported by the State of Michigan that on April 24 the total of COVID-19 deaths reached 3,085 (Chart 8). This was a 3.6 percent increase from April 23 (Chart 9). The 3,085 total deaths reported for April 24 was 108 deaths higher than what was reported on April 23 (Chart 10). The State of Michigan did not report any additional deaths as a result of comparing  death certificates with positive COVID cases in the State’s database as they did on April 23.

Of the total deaths reported, Detroit had 40 new deaths , Wayne County had 21, Oakland County had 18 and Macomb County had 11. Each of these three counties and Detroit experienced a decrease in the number of new deaths between April 23 and 24; Washtenaw County was actually the only county to experience an increase (Chart 13). The addition of these new daily deaths brings the totals to the following: 839 COVID deaths in Detroit, 504 in Macomb County, 585 in Oakland County, and 613 in Wayne County (Chart 11).

The cumulative number of COVID fatalities per 100,000 people was 125  for Detroit, 91 for Wayne County, 87 for Oakland County and 75 for Macomb County (Chart 12).

Charts 14  shows that the fatality rate for Michigan remained the same at 8.4 percent for the second day in a row. The fatality rates for Macomb County, Detroit and Wayne County all remained above the State’s rate on April 24. Macomb County’s fatality rate was 10.1 percent, Detroit’s was 9.6 percent and Wayne County’s was 8.9 percent. Washtenaw County experienced the highest increase in the fatality rate at 0.5%; Washtenaw County’s fatality rate was 4.8 percent on April 24.

On April 24 Michigan toppled 3,000 COVID deaths, and Gov. Whitmer extended the Stay-at-Home Order but loosened up on some restrictions. Additionally, masks are now required to be worn inside public places. While remaining at home makes it feel like our daily lives are on repeat from one day to the next, the data does show that the virus continues to progress in Michigan, albeit at a slower rate.

Michigan’s Stay-At-Home Restrictions Extended, Loosened but Numbers Continue to Rise

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The total number of COVID cases in Michigan increased to 35,291 on April 23 (Chart 1), compared to  33,966 the day before; this was a 1,325 daily case increase. This was equivalent to 353 cases per 100,000 people (Chart 2) on April 23.

The total number of COVID cases reported to date in the City of Detroit reached 8,317 on April 23. Wayne County (excluding Detroit) had 6,677 cases, Oakland County had 6,634 cases, and Macomb County had 4,862 cases (Chart 3). The number of confirmed cases in Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe and St. Clair counties combined totaled 1,811.

The daily data highlighted in these posts is from Michigan.gov/coronavirus, where data is updated daily at 3 p.m. Historical data was supplied from covidtracking.com, which republishes COVID data from the State.

The City of Detroit showed total COVID per capita cases of 1,236 per 100,000 people on April 23, an increase from 1,193 the day before (Chart 4). Wayne County reported 993 cases per 100,000 people, and Oakland County’s cases per 100,000 was 986. Macomb County had 728 COVID cases per 100,000 people. Livingston County was the only county regionally to not experience an increased rate per capita; Detroit on the other hand experienced the highest rate increase at 43 cases per capita.

Chart 5 shows that the daily increases in the number of new COVID cases. New cases decreased for Wayne County and Livingston County between April 22 and 23. On April 23 Wayne County reported 142 new COVID cases while on April 22 184 new cases were reported. Livingston County reported 4 new cases and 7 new cases the day prior. Overall, Detroit had the highest number of new COVID cases on April 23 at 291; Macomb County reported 234 new cases and Oakland County reported 171. Detroit’s numbers may reflect increased testing that the City and others have been offering to first responders and others.

Wayne and Livingston counties also experienced a decrease in the number of new COVID cases per 100,000 people on April 23. For Wayne County, the rate of new COVID cases per 100,000 people was 12 on April 23 and the rate for Livingston County was 13. The rate for Detroit increased to 43 new COVID cases per 100,000 people on April 23 while Macomb County reported a rate of 27 and Oakland County reported a rate of 14(Chart 6).

In addition to the raw data of confirmed cases, we also show the percent change in the number of cases reported day-to-day. In Chart 7 we see the raw data in the percent change, which shows that on April 23 the percent change from April 22 was 3.9 percent; this was an increase from the percent change of 3 percent recorded on April 22.

It was reported by the State of Michigan that on April 23 the total of COVID-19 deaths reached 2,977 (Chart 8). This was a 5.8 percent increase from April 22 (Chart 9). The 2,977 total deaths reported for April 23 was 164 deaths higher than what was reported on April 22 (Chart 10). The State of Michigan again noted on April 23 that 55 of the new deaths reported were a result of comparing death certificates with positive COVID cases in the State’s database; these means 55 of the 164 new deaths did not necessarily occur on that day. Furthermore, this means that on April 22 (data released each day is reflective of the real-time data from the day prior) were 109 new total daily deaths (not including the 55 deaths reported as a result of database comparisons), which is a small decrease from the 113 deaths reported on April 22.

Of the total deaths reported (including the 55 from the database comparisons), Detroit had 52, Oakland County had 38 and Wayne and Macomb counties both had 20. Livingston, Monroe and St. Clair counties reported no new deaths. Wayne and Macomb counties have both been experiencing decreases in the number of deaths over the last few days. On April 21 Macomb County reported 42 new daily deaths and Wayne County reported 43 new daily deaths; on April 23-as shown in Chart 13-both counties reported 20 new daily deaths. The addition of these new daily deaths brings the totals to the following: 799 COVID deaths in Detroit, 493 in Macomb County, 567 in Oakland County, and 592 in Wayne County (Chart 11).

The cumulative number of COVID fatalities per 100,000 people was 119 for Detroit, 88 for Wayne County, 84 for Oakland County and 73 for Macomb County (Chart 12). Both Charts 11 and 12 show that Detroit is pulling farther away from the counties in Southeastern Michigan in term of the number of COVID deaths. While totals across the region are increasing Detroit’s numbers are increasing at a faster rate.

Charts 14 and 15 show the case death rates for the State of Michigan and for Detroit and the seven counties in Southeastern Michigan. To determine the rates we divided the reported deaths from each day by the number of total COVID cases each day.

On April 23 the COVID case fatality rate in Michigan was 8.4 percent; this was only a 0.1 percent increase for the day before.

Macomb County reached continues to be the only one in the region for a fatality rate above 10 percent; on April 23 it was reported as 10.2 percent. Detroit and Wayne County join Macomb County in having fatality rates above the state’s. Detroit’s fatality rate on April 23 was 9.6 percent and Wayne County’s was 8.8 percent.

Michigan is now on the verge of 3,000 COVID deaths and has more than 35,000 confirmed COVID cases. In the next day we will learn what the Governor has in store for a potential extended Stay at Home Order and how the Legislature will act in response to the Governor’s authority as dictated by the Emergency Order. Concerns over reopening the economy continue to mount, but concerns over public health must remain a priority.  It is very important to remember the case of the Spanish Flu epidemic where cases went down with the closing of businesses and public places, but rose higher still when they were re-opened prematurely, and many more deaths occurred. This is a time to think clearly.

Michigan COVID Cases Increase by 999 on April 22

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The total number of COVID cases in Michigan increased to 33,966 on April 22 (Chart 1), compared to  32,967 the day before; this was a 999 daily case increase. This was equivalent to 340 cases per 100,000 people (Chart 2) on April 22.

The total number of COVID cases reported to date in the City of Detroit exceeded 8,000 on April 22; the City reported 8,026 COVID cases. Wayne County (excluding Detroit) had 6,535 cases, Oakland County had 6,436 cases, and Macomb County had 4,628 cases (Chart 3). The number of confirmed cases in Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe and St. Clair counties combined totaled 1,738—this was only 27 new cases total for those four counties.

The daily data highlighted in these posts is from Michigan.gov/coronavirus, where data is updated daily at 3 p.m. Historical data was supplied from covidtracking.com, which republishes COVID data from the State.

The City of Detroit showed total COVID per capita cases of 1,193 per 100,000 people on April 23, an increase from 1,175 the day before (Chart 4). Wayne County reported 972 cases per 100,000 people, and Oakland County’s cases per 100,000 was 961. Macomb County had 688 COVID cases per 100,000 people. Each county and Detroit experienced increases between April 21 and 22, but Wayne County experienced the largest with an increase of 28.

Chart 5 shows that the daily increases in the number of new COVID cases. New cases decreased for Detroit and Macomb County between April 21 and 22, while it increased for Oakland and Wayne counties. Wayne County reported 184 new cases on April 22-the highest number of new cases,-and Oakland County reported 154 new COVID cases. The number of new cases in Oakland County consistently decreased between April 14 and April 20; that changed on April 21. Detroit reported 122 new cases, a decrease from the 168 new cases reported on April 21, and Oakland County reported 84 new cases, which was a decrease from the 119 new cases reported the day before.

Detroit and Macomb County also experienced a decrease in the number of new COVID cases per 100,000 people on April 22. For Detroit, the rate of new COVID cases per 100,000 people was 18 on April 22 and the rate for Macomb County was 10. In Wayne County, the rate for new COVID cases per 100,000 people was 17 and the rate was 12 for Oakland County (Chart 6).

In addition to the raw data of confirmed cases, we also show the percent change in the number of cases reported day-to-day. In Chart 7 we see the raw data in the percent change, which shows that on April 22 the percent change from April 21 was 3 percent; this was the same as it was on April 21.

It was reported by the State of Michigan that on April 22 the total of COVID-19 deaths reached 2,813 (Chart 8). This was a 4.9 percent increase from April 21 and about half of what the percent change in daily death deaths was on April 21 (9.4%) (Chart 9). The 2,813 total deaths reported for April 22 was 113 deaths higher than what was reported on April 21 (Chart 10).

Of the total deaths reported, neither Detroit nor any of the seven counties experienced an increase above 30 more deaths between April 21 and April 22. Macomb County had the highest number of new daily COVID deaths on April 22 at 28; this brought Macomb County’s total number of deaths to 473. Detroit still has the highest number of total deaths; it has accumulated 747 as of April 22, with an increase of 19 new deaths. In Wayne County the number of COVID deaths increased by 22 to 572, and Oakland County’s death toll reached 529, an increase of 23. Each governmental entity experienced a decrease in the number of new deaths between April 21 and April 22; Detroit had the largest decrease with 19 new deaths being reported on April 22 after reporting 87 on April 21. The large difference for Detroit is likely due to the new deaths discovered reported on April 21 as a result of comparing death certificates and confirmed COVID cases in the State’s reporting system. The timeline for the total COVID deaths by county can be seen in Chart 11, and Chart 13 shows the daily increases.

The cumulative number of COVID fatalities per 100,000 people was 111 for Detroit, 85 for Wayne County, 79 for Oakland County and 70 for Macomb County. Detroit has experienced the sharpest increase in recent days. (Chart 12).

Charts 14 and 15 show the case death rates for the State of Michigan and for Detroit and the seven counties in Southeastern Michigan. To determine the rates we divided the reported deaths from each day by the number of total COVID cases each day.

On April 22 the COVID case fatality rate in Michigan was 8.3 percent; this was only a 0.1 percent increase for the day before.

The fatality rate in Macomb County reached 10 percent on April 22, the highest it has been for the county and regionally. Macomb County’s fatality rate is also above the State’s, as is Detroit’s and Wayne County’s. The fatality rate for Detroit was 9.3 percent on April 22. The fatality rate in Wayne County was 8.8 percent, and it was 8.2 percent in Oakland County. Livingston and Monroe counties were the only two to experience a decrease in fatality rates.

While the numbers show a continued slowing in the spread of the virus, Gov. Gretchen Whitmore acknowledged that more robust testing is needed. She also stated the likelihood of another extended Stay at Home Order, to some degree, is high. Such actions will continue to slow the spread of the virus.

Five-Day Rolling Averages Show Spread of Virus is Slowing

by Drawing Detroit | Leave a comment

The total number of COVID cases in Michigan increased to 32,967 (Chart 1) compared to 32,000 cases the day before. This was equivalent to 330 cases per 100,000 people (Chart 2) on April 21.

 Of the total COVID cases, the City of Detroit had 7,904 cases, Wayne County (excluding Detroit) had 6,351 cases, Oakland County had 6,306 cases, and Macomb County had 4,544 cases (Chart 3). On April 21 the total number of COVID cases in Wayne County (except Detroit) exceeded the total number of cases in Oakland; Wayne County had 45 more cases. The number of confirmed cases in Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe and St. Clair counties combined totaled 1,701, with Washtenaw County accounting for 900 of those cases,  according to the most recent data from the State.

Chart 4 is a new addition to our data sets and shows a 5-day rolling average on the number of cases per 100,000 people. The 5-day simple moving average smooths out the number of cases, which is less sensitive to changes in testing, helping to adjust for changes or increases in testing or fluctuations in the quality of reporting or failure to report.  Technically, we take information from the two days before and two days after in addition to information from the reported data and sum that information and divide by 5. This data set shows that peak for the per capita number of coronavirus cases in the state of Michigan was reached on April 18 with 314 cases per 100,000 people. As of April 19 the 5-day rolling average rate decreased to 254 cases per 100,000 people. For this data set April 19 is the most updated date since each number averages out two days prior to a date, the actual date and two days after.

The daily data highlighted in these posts is from Michigan.gov/coronavirus, where data is updated daily at 3 p.m. Historical data was supplied from covidtracking.com, which republishes COVID data from the State.

The City of Detroit showed total COVID per capita cases of 1,175 per 100,000 people on April 21, an increase from 1,150 the day before (Chart 5). Wayne County reported 944 cases per 100,000 people and Oakland County’s cases per 100,000 was 937. Macomb County had 658 COVID cases per 100,000 people. Each county and Detroit experienced increases between April 20 and 21.

Chart 6 shows that the number of additional cases in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties about doubled between April 20 and 21. This could have been due to testing, as more centers are opening. The numbers show that there were 175 new cases in Wayne County on April 21, 128 in Oakland County, and 119 in Macomb County. The City of Detroit reported the highest number of new COVID cases at 168; although this was an increase from April 20, it is still among the lowest number of new cases reported since late March. Monroe and St. Clair counties only reported 5 and 7 new cases, respectively. 

According to the data, the number of new COVID cases per 100,000 people for Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties doubled between April 20 and 21 (Chart 7). On April 21 Wayne County reported 16 new COVID cases per 100,000 people, Oakland County reported 10, and Macomb County reported 14 new cases per 100,000 people. Detroit had 25 new COVID cases per 100,000 people on April 21, an increase from the rate of 20 reported on April 20.

In addition to the raw data of confirmed cases, we also show the percent change in the number of cases reported day-to-day and the five day rolling average for the percent change. In Chart 8 we see the raw data in the percent change, which shows that on April 21 the percent change from April 20 was 3 percent, this was rate that nearly doubled from the day’s prior change of 1.8 percent. Chart 9, the 5-day rolling average percent change chart, shows a much smoother decrease in the percent change overall. On April 19 the percent change in day-to-day cases was 1.9 percent.

It was reported by the State of Michigan that on April 21 the total of COVID-19 deaths reached 2,700. This was a 9.4 percent increase from April 20 (Chart 11). The 2,700 total deaths reported for April 21 was 232 deaths higher than what was reported on April 20 (Chart 13). The 232 new COVID deaths on April 21 is the highest number of new daily deaths reported yet. However, that 232 death statistic included 95 older deaths that were revealed after comparing death certificates to the State’s database of confirmed cases.

Chart 12 is another chart we have added to our series. This chart is also a 5-day rolling average chart and averages out the percent change in the number of COVID deaths in Michigan. When comparing Chart 12 to Chart 11, we see that the 5-day rolling average version shows a much smoother decrease in the percent change in COVID deaths. It also shows that the percent change in COVID deaths is likely still decreasing, even though the raw data shows otherwise. The 5-day rolling average shows that on April 19 the percent change in COVID deaths was 3.9 percent, a decrease from 5.3 percent change reported the day prior. The raw data showed a 9.4 percent increase in COVID deaths, which was an increase from the day prior.

Of the total deaths reported, the number of COVID deaths in Detroit increased by 87 between April 20 and April 21. On April 21 the total  COVID deaths across time for Detroit was 728 (Chart 14). Also on April 21, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services also reported 550 total deaths in Wayne County (excluding Detroit), 506 in Oakland County and 445 in Macomb County (Chart 14). 

The total number of COVID fatalities per capita broke 100 on April 21 at 108 COVID deaths per 100,000 people in Detroit. Wayne County had 82 COVID deaths per 100,000 people on April 21 , Oakland County had 75, and Macomb County had 66 (Chart 15).

The 87 new COVID deaths Detroit reported on April 21 was the highest in the region and 44 deaths higher than the next highest county, which was Wayne County with 43 new COVID deaths (Chart 16). Macomb County reported 43 new deaths and Oakland County reported 27 new deaths. Livingston and Monroe counties reported no new deaths. Note that this increase could again be partly a lag in reporting from the weekend.

The final two charts-Charts 18 and 19-below show the case death rates for the State of Michigan and for Detroit and the seven counties in Southeastern Michigan. To determine the rates we divided the reported deaths from each day by the number of total COVID cases each day.

On April 21 the COVID case fatality rate in Michigan was 8.2 percent; an increase from the 7.7 percent death rate reported the day before.

The fatality rate in Macomb County continued to increase on April 21; it was reported at 9.8 percent. In Detroit the fatality rate was 9.2 percent, in Wayne County it was 8.7 percent and in Oakland Count it was 8 percent on April 21. Livingston and Monroe counties were the only two to experience a decrease in fatality rates.

Our new data sets further highlight that the spread of the virus is slowing, and our per capita 5-day rolling average chart for the number of cases even suggests we may be over the current peak. Additionally, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan acknowledged on April 21 that the Stay-at-Home order has allowed the number of new cases and deaths in the City to begin to flatten out. Spikes are evident in the data, but the number of deaths in Detroit has averaged out to 36 over the last several days, according to Duggan.

Number of New Daily COVID Cases, Deaths Decrease in Michigan

by Drawing Detroit | Leave a comment

The total number of COVID cases in Michigan increased to 32,000 (Chart 1), which was equivalent to 320 cases per 100,000 people (Chart 2) on April 20. The number of new cases reported on April 20 for the State of Michigan—576–is the lowest that has been reported since March 26, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

 Of the total COVID cases, the City of Detroit had 7,736 cases, Oakland County had 6,178 cases, Wayne County (excluding Detroit) had 6,176 cases and Macomb County had 4,425 cases (Chart 3). In the early weeks of April Wayne County (excluding Detroit) regularly had a fewer total number of COVID cases than Oakland County. However, the April 20 data shows that now Wayne County only has two less cases than Oakland County. This highlights a decreasing rate of spread in Oakland County and an increasing rate of spread in Wayne County (excluding Detroit). The number of confirmed cases in Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe and St. Clair counties combined totaled 1,654, with Washtenaw County accounting for 878 of those cases,  according to the most recent data from the State.

The daily data highlighted in these posts is from Michigan.gov/coronavirus, where data is updated daily at 3 p.m. Historical data was supplied from covidtracking.com, which republishes COVID data from the State.

The City of Detroit had a total COVID case per capita rate of 1,150 per 100,000 people on April 20, an increase from a rate of 1,130 the day before (Chart 4). Oakland and Wayne counties (excluding Detroit) both had rates of 918 per 100,00 people. The rate for Wayne County increased more (increased by 13 points) than the Oakland County rate (increased by 10 points), further showing that the spread in Wayne County is increasing faster than in Oakland County. Macomb County had 658 COVID cases per 100,000 people.

Chart 5 shows that the City of Detroit was the only government entity focused on in this blog to post triple digit new positive COVID case numbers for April 20. According to the data, Detroit had 132 new COVID cases on April 20; Wayne County (excluding Detroit) had 88 new cases. In Oakland County the number of new cases on April 20 was 69, and in Macomb County it was 65. Monroe County posted the lowest number of new cases on April 20 at 3.

According to the data, Detroit had a rate of 20 new COVID cases per 100,000 people on April 20, reflective of a continued rate increase since April 17 (Chart 6). Livingston, St. Clair and Washtenaw counties were the only other government entities to post new daily COVID case rate increases from the day prior. In Macomb County, the daily COVID case rate was 7 per 100,000 people on April 20, a decrease from 12 new COVID cases per 100,000 people on April 19. Oakland County had a rate of 5 new COVID cases per 100,000 people on April 20, a decrease from a rate of 7 reported the day before (Chart 6). Also, on April 20 Wayne County reported a new COVID case rate of 8 per 100,000 people, a decrease from the rate of 11 reported on April 19. 

In addition to the raw data of confirmed cases, we also show the percent change in the number of cases reported day-to-day. On April 20 the percent change from April 19 was 1.8 percent, a small decrease from the day’s prior change of 2 percent.

It was reported by the State of Michigan that on April 20 the total of COVID-19 deaths reached 2,468. This was a 3.2 percent change from April 19, which was a 0.4 percent decrease in the percent change in new daily deaths from the day prior (Chart 9). The 2,468  total deaths reported for April 20 was 77 deaths higher than what was reported on April 19 (Chart 10); this was 11 less deaths than the number of daily deaths reported on April 19. Also, the April 20 number was the lowest of new daily COVID deaths reported since April 5; 77 new deaths were reported that day too.

Of the total deaths reported, the number of COVID deaths in Detroit increased by 23 between April 20 and April 19. On April 20 the total  COVID deaths across time for Detroit was 641 (Chart 11). Also on April 20, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services also reported 507 total deaths in Wayne County (excluding Detroit), 479 in Oakland County and 403 in Macomb County (Chart 11). 

On a per capita basis, per 100,000 people, Detroit also continues to have the highest number of deaths per 100,000 people at 95 on April 20; this is 20 points higher than Wayne County’s rate of 75 COVID deaths per 100,000 people (Chart 12). Oakland County had 71 COVID deaths per 100,000 people and Macomb County had 60.

As noted, Detroit had 23 new COVID deaths on April 20-this was the highest number of new daily deaths in the region, but was a decrease in the new number of daily deaths reported on April 19. Macomb County reported the second highest number of new deaths at 12 on April 20; Macomb County was the only government entity to post an increase in the number of new COVID deaths from April 19. For Oakland County, the number of new daily deaths was 8, a continued decrease since April 16, and in Wayne County there were 6 new deaths.

The final two charts below show the case death rates for the State of Michigan and for Detroit and the seven counties in Southeastern Michigan. To determine the rates we divided the reported deaths from each day by the number of total COVID cases each day.

On April 20 the COVID case fatality rate in Michigan was 7.7 percent; a slight increase from the 7.6 percent death rate reported the day before.

Of Detroit and the counties in the region, Macomb County continued have the highest case fatality rate at 9.1 percent on April 20. The fatality rate for Detroit was 8.3 percent on April 20, and in Wayne County (excluding Detroit) it was 8.2 percent. The fatality rate in Oakland County was 7.8 percent on April 20.

These fatality rates are very sensitive to the number of tests that are being completed across the region. In states or countries where far more testing is completed, death rates may be substantially lower. The failure of the CDC to complete and broadly distribute an early and accurate test has had huge consequences.

On April 20 Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that following the May 1 expiration of the Stay at Home Order life will not go back to normal immediately. Instead, businesses and life as we know it will resume slowly and in phases. Whitmer also said her plans, which are yet to be announced, will be data driven. And, as the data has shown thus far, the spread of the virus has certainly slowed but it is still very prevalent throughout Southeastern Michigan.

Macomb County’s COVID Death Rate Highest in the Region

by Drawing Detroit | Leave a comment

The total number of COVID cases in Michigan increased to 31,424 (Chart 1), which was equivalent to 314 cases per 100,000 people (Chart 2) on April 19. Of those total COVID cases, the City of Detroit had 7,604 cases, Oakland County had 6,109 cases, Wayne County (excluding Detroit) had 6,088 cases and Macomb County had 4,360 cases (Chart 3).  The number of confirmed cases in Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe and St. Clair counties combined totaled 1,626, with Washtenaw County accounting for 870 of those cases,  according to the most recent data from the State.

The daily data highlighted in these posts is from Michigan.gov/coronavirus, where data is updated daily at 3 p.m. Historical data was supplied from covidtracking.com, which republishes COVID data from the State.

In Chart 4 we see that the City of Detroit has consistently had the highest number of COVID cases per 100,000 people, which was a rate of 1,130 on April 19. Oakland County had the second highest rate at 908 cases per 100,000 people and Wayne County (excluding Detroit) had 905 cases. Macomb County had 648 COVID cases per 100,000 people.

Chart 5 shows that there have been increases in the number of new daily COVID cases for Detroit and Macomb and Monroe counties. The number of new cases in Detroit on April 19 was 107, an increased from the new reported new cases of 83 on April 18. In Macomb County the number of new cases on April 19 was 109 and in Monroe County it was 9. For Oakland County, there was 88 new COVID cases reported on April 19, a continued decrease in the number of new cases since April 14. Wayne County has been experiencing a decrease in the number of new cases since April 16; on April 19 Wayne County reported 114 new cases.

According to the data, Detroit had a rate of 16 new COVID cases per 100,000 people on April 19; this was an increase through the weekend but a rate that is about half what it was during last week, and it was huge drop from Detroit’s peak. Macomb County was the only other county in the region with a rate about 10; Macomb County had a rate of 12 new COVID cases per 100,000 people on April 19 (Chart 6). 

In addition to the raw data of confirmed cases, we also show the percent change in the number of cases reported day-to-day. On April 19 the percent change from April 18 was 2 percent, a decrease from the day’s prior change of 2.6 percent.

It was reported by the State of Michigan that on April 19 the total of COVID-19 deaths reached 2,391. This was a 3.6 percent change from April 18, which was nearly same as the percent change in new daily deaths from the day prior (Chart 9). The 2,391 total deaths reported for April 19 was 83 deaths higher than what was reported on April 17 (Chart 10); this was two deaths higher than the number of daily deaths reported on April 18.

Of the total deaths reported, the number of COVID deaths in Detroit increased by 29 from the day prior. On April 19 the total  COVID deaths across time was 619 (Chart 11). Also on April 19, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services also reported 501 total deaths in Wayne County (excluding Detroit), 471 in Oakland County and 391 in Macomb County (Chart 11). 

On a per capita basis, per 100,000 people, Detroit also continues to have the highest number of deaths per 100,000 people at 92 on April 19 (Chart 12). Wayne County had 74 COVID deaths per 100,000 people, Oakland County had 70 and Macomb County had 58.

Chart 13  shows that Detroit reported the highest number of new deaths on April 19 at 29; Wayne County reported 20 new daily deaths, and Oakland County reported 13. For Oakland County, the number of new daily deaths has continued to decrease since April 16; also note the number of new cases in Oakland County has been decreasing since April 14.

The final two charts below show the case death rates for the State of Michigan and for Detroit and the seven counties in Southeastern Michigan. To determine the rates we divided the reported deaths from each day by the number of total COVID cases each day.

On April 19 the COVID case death rate in Michigan was 7.5 percent; a slight increase from the 7.4 percent death rate reported the day before.

Of Detroit and the counties in the region, Macomb County had the highest case death rate on April 19 at 9 percent; it has been the highest since April 14. Wayne County (excluding Detroit) also had a higher death rate than Detroit. Wayne County’s death rate was 8.2 percent on April 19 and Detroit’s was 8.1 percent. The death rate for Oakland County was 7.7 percent, and, while the number of new cases and new deaths has been decreasing since in Oakland County over the last few days the death rate has been increasing.

These rates of death are very sensitive to the number of tests that are being completed across the region. In state or countries where far more testing is completed, death rates may be substantially lower. The failure of the CDC to complete and broadly distribute an early and accurate test has had huge consequences.

As the number of new COVID cases and deaths is increasing at a slower rate we do see that death rates for at least Detroit, Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties are still increasing. While we know that the Stay at Home order is playing a large role in slowing the spread of the virus, how the virus is affecting those who have been infected is something we must watch, both in terms of death rates and other long-term effects for survivors.