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Michigan now has at least 3 deaths related to COVID-19

Wikipedia

At least three people in Michigan have died from the coronavirus outbreak, officials said Thursday. A woman in her 50s with other health complications died at McLaren Oakland medical center in Pontiac, while an 81-year-old man died at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

“We encourage everyone to adhere to guidelines regarding social distancing and hand washing to help slow the spread of this highly contagious disease,” said Margaret Dimond, president of McLaren Oakland.

Both died Wednesday, along with a man in his 50s at a Beaumont Health hospital in Wayne County. The state’s medical executive, Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, said more deaths are expected.

Michigan is reporting at least 110 COVID-19 cases, but the number likely is a lagging one because county health departments are getting more timely information. Oakland County, for example, had at least 94 cases by Thursday morning, spokesman Bill Mullan said.

For most people, the virus causes 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.

Amtrak said it canceled trains between Grand Rapids and Chicago due to a drop in demand. Ford Motor, which has halted factory operations along with other automakers, said it’s suspending dividends to conserve cash.

The Michigan Supreme Court ordered only “essential functions” in all courtrooms and a 10-person limit, just a few days after giving judges discretion to set local rules. Critics said a lack of consistency up and down the state was creating health risks.

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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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