DETROIT – On Sunday, Michigan officials reported the lowest number of single-day coronavirus (COVID-19) related deaths since March 23.

UM President: No football season unless on-campus classes resume

University of Michigan President Mark Schlissel said if students can’t return for on-campus classes, there won’t be a football season.

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State reports lowest single day COVID-19 deaths since March

Michigan officials reported five COVID-19 deaths Sunday.

This is the lowest single day number of deaths since March 23, when six deaths were reported just days after the state’s first coronavirus death.

Death toll reaches 5,228

The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 54,679 as of Sunday, including 5,228 deaths, state officials report.

That number is up from 54,365 confirmed cases and 5,223 deaths Saturday.

The official recovery total is 33,168.

Metro Detroit Catholics attend public masses for first time since March

The Archdiocese of Detroit allowed in-person masses to resume this week for the first time since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic hit the state in March.

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When churches reopened to the public for the first time this Sunday, social distancing measures were in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

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.