Michigan reports no new COVID-19 deaths on Sunday

The state of Michigan reported no new COVID-19 deaths Sunday and 360 new cases, the first time the state has reported zero deaths since March, when the first cases in Michigan were being confirmed.

Overall, Michigan has 72,941 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19, and 6,218 confirmed and probable deaths related to the virus.

Sunday's case numbers reported by the health department are  above Saturday numbers of 72,581. On Saturday, the state's official coronavirus site reported 6,218 deaths as well, and has onlythree new deaths since Friday.

"We have had low numbers of deaths reported the past couple weeks, and did not have any reported today," said Lynn Stuffin, public information officer for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. "With only one day of data with zero reported deaths, there isn’t much of a statement or conclusion that can be made."

The state has advised that some deaths are added when death certificates are confirmed and not always when the death actually occurred. 

As Michigan has seen a significant decrease in reported coronavirus deaths, the number of confirmed cases are also decreasing after a recent uptick. The number of cases reported on Sunday were 183 less than the 543 cases reported on Thursday, the highest daily count in the state since May 29. 

“We understand that during this holiday weekend it is difficult to refrain from gathering with friends and family,” said Carol Austerberry, Wayne County public health officer in a news release.

“But if you must, please follow some simple precautions to limit the spread of COVID-19. Stay 6-feet apart, avoid large gatherings, wash your hands with soap and water frequently, and stay home if you are not feeling well.” 

During the state's early spike in coronavirus outbreak, Michigan was once third in the nation for reported cases. Now, the state is 12th, according to data that tracks the pandemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the last seven days, Michigan has reported 2,689 cases. Other states, like Florida, have seen large surges of casesFlorida reported 63,994 cases in the last seven days. 

The new daily numbers for Michigan include 7,065 probable cases and 246 probable deaths. 

In the United States, there have been a total of 2,841,906 reported cases, with 52,228 new cases, and 129,576 deaths, including 271 new deaths reported July 5.