Michigan reports record number of coronavirus infections, highest daily tally among U.S. states

Michigan is reporting a record number of COVID-19 cases and the highest daily number of new infections among U.S. states, despite having had some of the most strict virus lockdown orders in the U.S. 

Michigan on Monday recorded 11,082 daily cases, also making it the only state to report over 7,000 cases a day, according to Reuters.

According to the CDC, Michigan has had 45,192 cases within the last seven days. Pennsylvania has the second-higher number, with 30,337 cases over the last seven days, followed by New York with 27,668 cases.

The increased in Michigan comes about month after Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer began easing virus restrictions, including retail businesses and restaurants now being allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity and indoor dining being extended to 11 p.m, according to Local 4 Detroit.

The rise in coronavirus cases also comes as a new strain of the virus has entered the United States. Jim Dover, CEO and president of Sparrow Health System, a large health care provider in central Michigan, said that the new strain is possible more contagious and deadly, according to CNN.

"Second, is everyone is tired of wearing masks, so you will go out and see a lack of social distancing, the lack of wearing masks," he said.