First Michigan resident dies from COVID-19
Statewide cases reach 80
A Michigan man who was confirmed to have COVID-19 has died at a Beaumont hospital in Wayne County.
Beaumont Health officials said the adult male in his 50’s had underlying medical conditions. This is the first death from COVID-19 in Michigan, according to Bob Wheaton, spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
Susan Grant, Beaumont Health Chief Nursing Officer, said the hospital’s medical team went to “extraordinary efforts to care for this patient.” She would not provide specifics on the patient.
“We are deeply saddened by his passing and empathize with his family,” she said. “Our physicians, nurses and medical staff are all working together to care for COVID-19 patients. During a time like this, we are united to battle this virus. Further, we must continue to serve and care for the non-COVID-19 needs of all patients whether they are giving birth, needing essential surgery or requiring lifesaving emergency procedures.
On Wednesday, state health officials confirmed 15 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 80 cases, which includes 23 in Oakland County. The state’s updated totals are from infections tallied Tuesday up to midnight and may not include all positive test results confirmed by private labs and hospitals.
But officials added that infections could be well over 100 with additional confirmed cases added since midnight.
The new cases were:
• Detroit: one case
• Macomb County: one case
• Oakland County: seven cases
• Wayne County: one case
According to MDHHS, 29 percent of the confirmed cases are between the ages of 60 and 69. Of the 80 total confirmed cases, 55 percent are male and 43 percent have been hospitalized.
On Tuesday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer prohibited all events with over 50 people in shared indoor spaces. The order provides exceptions for health care facilities, workplaces not open to the public, the state legislature, mass transit, retail stores including groceries, and the performance of agricultural or construction work.
To date, 28 percent of the Michigan cases have been individuals ages 60 to 69. Nearly 50 percent of Michiganders diagnosed with the virus have not been hospitalized, according to MDHHS data.
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) also announced it will request a series of federal waivers of statutory and regulatory requirements in child nutrition, emergency food assistance, and commodity food programs, in accordance with federal guidance.
On Wednesday, the Michigan Department of Treasury announced that small businesses scheduled to make their monthly sales, use and withholding tax payments on March 20 can postpone filing and payment requirements until April
20. The department will waive all penalties and interest for 30 days.
Patients with confirmed infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:
• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
The best prevention for viruses,
such as influenza, the common cold or COVID-19 is to:
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home, and avoid contact with others.
There have been more than 7,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, in the U.S., causing at least 97 deaths, according to a tally from Johns Hopkins University. Worldwide, around 190,000 cases have been confirmed in over 155 countries and regions. Of that number, around around 80,000 people have recovered while more than 7,500 people have died.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
The vast majority of people recover.