Update: Number of Michigan Coronavirus Cases Increases to 16 [VIDEO]
UPDATE: Four more cases of coronavirus have been confirmed on Friday (3/13), bringing the total number of cases in Michigan to 16.
Michigan now has 12 presumed positive cases of coronavirus statewide. The Centers for Disease Control will work with the Michigan Department of Public Health in order to confirm nine cases of the disease.
After two positive diagnoses earlier this week, public health officials revealed a third case in St. Clare County on Thursday.
According to WXYZ, the new cases include:
- An adult female from Ingham County who was recently on a cruise.
- Two adult females and one adult male from Kent County, all with a history of international travel.
- An adult female from Montcalm County with a history of international travel.
- Two adult males from Oakland County; one with no travel history and one with domestic travel history.
- An adult male from St. Clair County with a history of domestic travel. (This case was previously announced Thursday.)
- One adult female and one adult male from Washtenaw County; one with a history of domestic travel and one with a history of international travel.
"In an abundance of caution, I am ordering the closure of all K-12 school buildings in Michigan for three weeks closed for three weeks, starting Monday, March 16th until Sunday, April 5th," the Governor said at a press conference. "This is not a decision I make lightly."
Whitmer went on to say that she believes school employees should be paid as if schools were open. She acknowledged the difficulties this move places on parents and encouraged businesses to do everything possible to support employees during this time.