The first person in Michigan has died from COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.
Beaumont Health announced Wednesday that a man in his 50s who tested positive for COVID-19 and had other underlying medical conditions died at Beaumont Hospital in Wayne County.
“Our medical team went to extraordinary efforts to care for this patient and we are deeply saddened by his passing and empathize with his family,” Beaumont Health Chief Nursing Officer Susan Grant said in a statement. “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.”
The global coronavirus pandemic has killed thousands, and infected hundreds of thousands. As of March 18, at least 8,218 people have died worldwide, including 116 Americans, according to a New York Times database.
The first two positive cases in Michigan were announced Tuesday, March 10; since then, the total number has grown to 80.
