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CASS COUNTY — The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed a life in Cass County.

The first death of a Cass County resident as a result of COVID-19 was reported Tuesday by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. According to the Van Buren/Cass District Health Department, the victim was a man over the age of 75 with several preexisting health conditions.

The total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Cass County was four as of 3 p.m. Tuesday. Neighboring Van Buren County has seven confirmed cases and no reported deaths. Berrien County has 35 cases and reported its first COVID-19 related death Monday.

Statewide, there have been 7,615 total COVID-19 cases to date and 259 deaths.

“I want to remind residents to take this virus and this threat seriously,” said Larry Wile, medical director at the Van Buren/Cass Health District Department. “Wash your hands, utilize social distancing and only go out when necessary.”

Local health department officials encouraged all residents to keep following the basic prevention steps to prevent the spread of the virus:

• Wash hands often with soap and water
• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
• Cover mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
• Avoid shaking hands
• Keep at least 6 feet apart from others when in public
• Avoid contact with people who are sick
• Stay home when sick

This post has been updated to include a response from the Van Buren/Cass District Health Department.