Michigan COVID-19 deaths just shy of 12,600

LANSING (AP) — Michigan averaged about 3,000 new coronavirus cases a day from Thursday through Saturday, the state health department said.

The state also reported 265 additional deaths from COVID-19, including 211 from days or weeks ago that were confirmed through a records check. Michigan is close to 12,600 deaths since last March.

More than 71,000 people in the state have received a COVID-19 vaccine and nearly 500 clinics are scheduled in upcoming weeks, said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the state’s chief medical executive.

“We do expect our case numbers and deaths to come down as the vaccine is distributed to the most vulnerable, those in healthcare facilities," Khaldun said.