Michigan surpasses 20,000 deaths from COVID-19 pandemic

Michigan has surpassed 20,000 deaths from COVID-19, with a top state health official encouraging people to take precautions.

State health officials reported Michigan had totaled 20,011 confirmed deaths since its first recorded death in March 2020.

Michigan Health and Human Services director Elizabeth Hertel says the state has seen "real devastation" from COVID-19. Health officials are preparing for a possible new wave of infections caused by the highly transmissible delta variant that is sweeping the country.

Michigan has identified delta variant infections in more than 50 counties and the city of Detroit.

Those 70 years and older have accounted for 69% of the total deaths in Michigan. Confirmed deaths among African Americans have accounted for about 22% of deaths, while Blacks comprise 14% of the state's population.