No new COVID-19 deaths, 3 new cases in Greater Lansing

LANSING – No new deaths from the novel coronavirus were reported in Greater Lansing Sunday, according to state figures.

Since the spread of COVID-19 began in March, 25 people have died from the virus in Ingham County, six in Eaton County and 10 in Clinton County, according to the most recent figures released by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on Sunday.

The area only saw three new positive cases, one in Ingham County, one in Eaton County and one in Clinton County. Ingham County has 696 positive cases, 176 in Eaton County and 138 in Clinton County.

Statewide, 5,228 people have died from COVID-19 and 54,679 people have tested positive for the virus. On Sunday, the state reported five news deaths from the virus and an additional 314 positive cases.

Updated figures from the Ingham County Health Department had not been released on Sunday afternoon.

More than 9,000 people tested in Ingham County

Since the outbreak began, more than 9,000 in Ingham County have gotten tested for the virus, Ingham County Health Officer Linda Vail said Sunday.

Increasing testing volume locally and across the state is a key component to reopening the economy, Vail said.

“We have to have that capacity to test so we can continue to isolate and quarantine,” Vail said.

Vail on Sunday went to Sparrow’s drive-thru testing site for a nasal swab test for COVID-19. She said the test was required ahead of a diagnostic procedure she has at the hospital.

Since Sparrow opened its drive-thru testing site at the former Sears last week, staff members have run 1,242 nasal swab tests for COVID-19 and 1,269 antibody tests, hospital spokesman John Foren said.

“There’s definitely widespread interest in both,” Foren said.

Protective measures remain in place to prevent COVID's spread

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has extended the stay-at-home order through June 12 and required people to wear cloth face masks if they go to enclosed public spaces, including grocery stores, pharmacies and other businesses.

Symptoms of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, include fever, cough and shortness of breath. The state health department says symptoms can appear up to 14 days after exposure to the virus.

People should first contact their health care provider if they think they are sick before going to a clinic or hospital.

There are steps residents can take to prevent spread of flu and the common cold that will also help prevent COVID-19, including:

• Wash your hands with soap and water.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you are sick and contact your healthcare provider.

More information on COVID-19 in Michigan is online at Michigan.gov/coronavirus.

Contact reporter Craig Lyons at 517-377-1047 or calyons@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @craigalyons.