BRANCH, CASS COUNTIES, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has reported the first known cases of the COVID-19 virus in Branch County as of Tuesday.
According to the department website, two cases have been confirmed, although there is no information about the victims at this time.
MDHHS also reported the first known COVID-19 death in Cass County as of Tuesday. There is no information currently available about the victim. Cass County now has 4 confirmed cases overall.
The news of these surfacing cases follows the first reported COVID-19 death in Berrien County, which was reported Monday. The victim was described as a male over the age of 70 who had serious underlying health conditions. He had previously been hospitalized at Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph.
“This is a tragic loss of life and we share our heartfelt condolences with the family,” said Nicki Britten, health officer of the Berrien County Health Department. “Protecting the health of our community and slowing the spread of COVID-19 is our top priority.”
Berrien County reported 35 total cases of the virus by Tuesday, but no new deaths have occurred since then.
In Kalamazoo County, officials also reported the first known COVID-19 deaths this week, including one student at Western Michigan University.
In order to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, citizens are urged to comply with Governor Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order and travel as little as possible.
Citizens should also practice good hygiene and minimize contact with others in order to avoid infection.
