Michigan sees record high number of COVID-19 deaths in latest report

Michigan experienced a record high number of COVID-19 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to data updated Tuesday.

The state documented 118 deaths in one day, its largest so far, boosting the total death toll to 845. This is the second day in a row that Michigan reported a record high number of COVID-19 deaths. 

A total of 18,970 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the state, with 1,749 cases confirmed in the past day. The daily case number was the highest recorded since last Friday, when 1,953 cases were identified.

Most of the coronavirus infections and deaths have occurred in Wayne County, home to Detroit, with 9,045 cases and 402 deaths. Deborah Birx, a member of the White House coronavirus response team, identified Wayne County as a possible emerging hot spot last week. 

Michigan has become one of the hardest-hit states, ranking third for the most deaths and the most cases, behind New York and New Jersey, The New York Times reported. New York has counted 138,863 cases and 5,489 deaths, while New Jersey has documented 44,416 cases and 1,232 deaths.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) ordered residents to stay at home and closed nonessential businesses and schools last month. She announced the stay-at-home order would be extended beyond the April 14 deadline because hospitals are overwhelmed by the growing number of cases. 

Whitmer, one of former Vice President Joe Biden’s potential vice presidential picks, has sparred with President Trump in recent weeks, requesting medical supplies for hospitals. She said Sunday the lack of a federal approach to the pandemic was causing a “more porous situation.”

The president called for Whitmer and other governors to be “appreciative” of the White House last month while granting a major disaster declaration for the state.