Michigan suffers first death related to COVID-19

Susan Grant and Dr. Nick Gilpin announce the first Covid-19 related death at a Beaumont Hospital and in Michigan.

After more than 120 fatalities in the United States, and thousands worldwide, Michigan has recorded its first COVID-19-related death.

A Beaumont Health patient, a male in his 50’s who tested positive for COVID-19 and had other underlying medical conditions, died early Wednesday at a 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. “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.”

Beaumont has been busy, processing some 500 tests Tuesday alone. Since March 12, Beaumont officials said, some 1,100 other tests were sent to the state and other national labs.

According to information on the Johns Hopkins coronavirus dashboard, the United States has had more than 8,000 cases and 124 deaths.