First Coronavirus Death In Michigan; 80 Confirmed Cases

One person has died from the new coronavirus, known as COVID-19, in Michigan, the first known death in the state. Beaumont Health, the hospital where the patient was being treated, said he was a man in his 50s who had other underlying medical conditions.

In the state, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases is 80 as of Wednesday afternoon with the majority of the cases in Detroit and Oakland 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."

Below is the breakdown of cases in the state by county:

Bay: 1
Charlevoix: 1
Detroit: 13
Ingham: 2
Jackson: 1
Kent: 5
Leelanau: 1
Macomb: 10
Monroe: 1
Montcalm: 1
Oakland: 23
Otsego: 1
Ottawa: 1
St. Clair: 2
Washtenaw: 7
Wayne: 10

As the coronavirus outbreak spread in the state, daily life in Michigan and beyond has been disrupted with schools closed and a businesses like restaurants, bars, gyms and movie theaters ordered closed. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also issued an executive order to temporarily expand the eligibility for unemployment benefits.

On Wednesday, Detroit's big three automakers — Ford, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler — said they had agreed to close all their factories.

SEE ALSO:

• Coronavirus Michigan Impact: Some Jobless Benefits Extended
• Ford, GM, Fiat Chrysler Close Over Coronavirus Concerns
• Michigan’s Historic School Shutdown: What Parents, Educators Need With Weeks To Go