LANSING, Mich. (MIRS News) – An average of 33 people have died every day this year of COVID-19, according to statistics reported by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), putting Michigan’s total COVID death total at 38,121 since 2020. That’s the equivalent of the population of the city of Muskegon, Michigan’s 31st largest city.

Since the pandemic recorded its first reported Michigan fatality on March 19, 2020, Michigan has averaged 42 COVID-19 related deaths every day. Michigan now reports the state has had 2,786,213 cases of COVID.

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Averages are back on the downswing, though. In January 2022, the number of COVID deaths was 92 a day. For August, it was 19.

With schools back in full swing after the Labor Day weekend, COVID-19 numbers are starting out with a downturn.

The DHHS data showed 15,854 new cases and 83 new deaths over a seven-day period.  The average daily case rate for the start of September is 2,265.

In the five weekly reports from August, the average new caseload was 19,609 for a week.

MDHHS officials said SC Health donated more than 500,000 medical gloves to health care workers treating COVID-19 patients.

“Michigan’s health care workers have stepped up throughout the pandemic to take care of Michigan families,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “This generous donation from SC Health will help protect the health and safety of these heroes as they care for our friends and family in need of care.”

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The gloves were sent to Federal Qualified Health Clinics and the five State of Michigan inpatient psychiatric hospitals.

Michigan Primary Care Association CEO Phillip Bergquist said the Federally Qualified Health Centers take care of people in poor communities with services that are tailored to each community.

“Donations like this one help our dedicated staff continue our mission to provide high-quality, affordable and comprehensive medical services to our patients,” Bergquist said.