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Michigan sees spike in number of coronavirus cases as testing increases

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LANSING, Mich. — There are now 4,787 deaths from coronavirus and 49,582 cases in Michigan, according to the latest numbers released by the State of Michigan on Thursday.

That's up 73 deaths and 1,191 cases from Wednesday when there were 4,714 deaths and 48,391 cases.

According to the state, today's numbers include 35 additional deaths identified through regular review of death certificates, which happens three times per week.

The number of cases is also up significantly due to several factors, according to the state.

That includes backlogged results being reported electronically and increased testing at correctional facilities in the state.

"Today’s report of 1,191 cases includes cases from commercial labs Garcia, a lab with significant presence in Michigan’s correctional facilities and corporate environment, Orchard Technology and P4. Results from these labs were being entered manually, which led to a backlog, and are now being reported electronically into MDSS," the state said.

That backlog, according to the state, did not result in delays of notification for people with positive cases.

Michigan also tested 14,242 people on May 12, the largest number of tests conducted since the outbreak began.

Overall, 22,686 have recovered from the virus, according to the state. That number will be updated Saturday. Recovery includes confirmed COVID-19 cases who are 30 days out from their onset, but the pool will expand as the pandemic continues.

In an interview with 7 Action News on Thursday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she hopes to resume gatherings of 10 people or less "pretty quickly"in an interview with 7 Action News.

The governor said her goal is to make sure the state is back in a position of "some normalcy." Having gatherings of 10 or less falls under the next phase of the MI Safe Start Plan, and the governor said she is hopeful that we can move into the next phase quickly.

Hundreds gathered at the Capitol on Thursday to protest Whitmer's order.

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