DETROIT – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer continues to defend her response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak despite the negative reactions and threats she has received.

Gov. Whitmer refuses to back down despite threats over executive orders

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is refusing to back down despite threats being made over her coronavirus (COVID-19) executive orders.

Whitmer answered the most frequently asked questions she gets to her office from Michigan residents during a Monday afternoon news conference. She also had plenty to say about threats she’s getting.

Even as the vitriol increases, Whitmer said she refuses to back down from her orders.

Flight path for Blue Angels flyover revealed

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will fly over Detroit on Tuesday in solidarity with frontline workers amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The Blue Angels were scheduled to fly over Detroit last month but the show was postponed.

The times and flight path were released on Monday afternoon. The entire fly over will be from 11:30 to 11:51 a.m.

Blue Angels flight path projection.
Blue Angels flight path projection. (WDIV)

Death toll reaches 4,584

The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 47,552 as of Monday, including 4,584 deaths, state officials report.

That number is up from 47,138 confirmed cases and 4,551 deaths Sunday.

The official recovery total is 22,686.

AG issues warning to businesses violating Gov. Whitmer’s order

Businesses who continue to violate Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home order could face legal action, according to Attorney General Dana Nessel.

READ: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer extends stay-at-home order until May 28

Nessel wants action to be taken against those violating the order. The first step is a warning.

“If they make the decision to go ahead and violate the law knowing and understanding what the law is -- then, unfortunately they’ll have to pay the consequences for it,” Nessel said.

Nessel’s team has been in touch with police agencies across the state asking them to investigate businesses that are violating the governor’s order.

Whitmer says goal is to test 450,000 residents for virus in May

Whitmer said Monday that she wants 450,000 Michiganders to be tested for the coronavirus this month, an average of nearly 15,000 a day, a critical goal because social-distancing cannot go on indefinitely until a vaccine is developed.

Testing is on the rise. Tests first surpassed 10,000 in a day less than two weeks ago and stayed above that mark in eight of the next 10 days through Saturday. Tricia Foster, the state’s chief operating officer, said the target is 30,000 tests per day — 2 percent of the population on a weekly basis.

Explore Michigan virtually

How about some good news?

While you are social distancing, you can explore Michigan virtually.

The #VirtualPureMichigan campaign will include live cameras showing places such as Traverse City, Holland and Frankenmuth, as well as virtual tours of museums, and other related educational experiences.

Person-to-person spread

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Can someone spread the virus without being sick?

  • Spread is possible before people show symptoms. People who are not showing symptoms can still be carrying the virus and can still pass it on to other people.

Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

How easily the virus spreads

How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

MORE: Beaumont Health launches coronavirus hotline for patients with symptoms

People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Question about coronavirus? Ask Dr. McGeorge here.