State reports 680 new COVID cases, Kalamazoo 29

State health officials reported 680 new cases of COVID-19 Wednesday decreasing the seven day moving average to 753 new cases per day.

The state also reported 11 new deaths from the coronavirus. The average death rate remains steady at about 10 new deaths per day.

Kalamazoo County reported 29 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus Wednesday with another 28 probable cases coming from antibody tests.

Western Michigan University reported 43 new cases of COVID-19 among its students and staff Tuesday. The university insists it is still confident in its mix on in-person and online classes despite the steadily increasing number of infections.

Infections continue to climb in counties that are home to colleges and universities, especially Ingham County where Michigan State University is located. Ingham County reported 103 new infections Wednesday.

Grand Valley State University in Ottawa County is also experiencing a worrying rise in cases of the virus. Health officials there have issued a “staying-in-place” order for all students both on- and off-campus for the next two weeks. Students are allowed to leave their dorms or apartments for classes, work, and food, but nothing else.