EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated to reflect the accurate global numbers of people with COVID-19 and the worldwide death toll.
HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) – – Ottawa County public-health officials say five people have died from COVID-19, and so far 82 county residents have been diagnosed with the aggressive virus.
The three people reported dead on Thursday, April 16, 2020, include a woman in her late 70s; a woman in her mid-80s; and a man in his mid-90s. All had underlying conditions.
Statewide, 29,263 people have been diagnosed and 2,093 people have died from the virus — a rate of 7 percent. Ottawa County’s current death rate is 6 percent. Worldwide, more than 2 million people have the virus; 146,291 have died.
County health spokesowman Kristina Wieghmink said the county and state will begin reporting people who probably have the virus — those who have symptoms, but have not been tested and had the virus confirmed via a lab. That could include people who have milder symptoms.
Out of a total of 281 tests in Allegan County, 25 people have the virus. Six are waiting on results and 55 are being monitored for symptoms.
County and state health officials have repeatedly said the virus is pervasive and anyone going into public spaces should observe social distancing, as well as wearing a mask and gloves or using a santizing hand gel or frequent hand washing.
