Two Deaths, But Whitmer Still Closes Bars And Limits Indoor Gatherings To 10

On a day when two individuals died of coronavirus in Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer closed indoor service at all bars in a state of 10 million and limited indoor gatherings to 10 people.

Whitmer’s executive order was issued Wednesday and will take effect on July 31, according to a press release.

Michigan had 231 coronavirus-related deaths in July through Wednesday, according to the New York Times database.

By comparison, Michigan had 232 COVID-19 deaths on a single day in April (April 21).

In July thus far, Michigan has averaged eight deaths a day linked to the coronavirus.

As of July 27, the there 670 people hospitalized in Michigan due to COVID-19. By comparison, there were 3,357 COVID-19 patients Michigan hospitals on April 20.

The bed occupancy rate in the state’s hospitals was 69% as of July 27. This is about the rate hospitals maintain when there is no epidemic.

“As we see COVID-19 cases continue to rise, Michiganders cannot afford to drop our guard. We must take every step possible to save lives, protect the brave men and women on the front lines, and avoid overwhelming our healthcare system while we continue to combat COVID-19,” Whitmer said in a press release. “After seeing a resurgence in cases connected to social gatherings across the state, we must further limit gatherings for the health of our community and economy. By taking these strong actions, we will be better positioned to get our children back into classrooms and avoid a potentially devastating second wave.”