Officials: Detroit approaching 4,000 COVID-19 cases

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Detroit is nearing 4,000 while 129 people have died from the disease, according to the city’s health department. Figures released Saturday show positive infections rose by nearly 400 from Friday. The number of confirmed cases across Michigan topped 12,700 on Friday, with 479 people dead, according to state health officials.

Most of the confirmed COVID-19 cases continue to be in the Detroit area, with about 80% in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued an order Friday telling people with principal symptoms of the coronavirus to stay home for a minimum of three days after symptoms fade.

The order applies to all residents who test positive or have at least a key symptom: fever, nagging cough or shortness of breath. They can leave for medical care, outdoor exercise, food and other life-sustaining supplies as long as they wear a mask or other face covering. The order prohibits employers from retaliating against workers if they or one of their close contacts have the disease or symptoms.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and death.