The numbers continue to climb at an alarming rate.

The novel coronavirus has taken 60 lives in Michigan, according to new state data.

That means 17 more people have died from COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the virus, as of 10 a.m. Thursday, according to data provided by the state Thursday afternoon. The first death was reported March 18.

The state also has 2,856 confirmed cases of the illness. There were 564 new confirmed cases reported as of Thursday morning.

More:Michigan doctors reveal what it's like inside hospitals during coronavirus crisis

Map:Where are the coronavirus cases in Michigan?

Also released Thursday was information on testing, showing that 27% of tests taken so far have come back positive.

The data shows that, of those positive cases, 51% were males and 49% females. The highest percentage of people with the illness, based on age, were those aged 60-69 at 21%. The second-highest number of cases by age were those aged 50-59 at 19%. Those under 30 accounted for 8%.

As of Thursday, the state reported the total number of deaths as:

15 deaths in Detroit

1 death in Genesee County

1 death in Kent County

1 death in Livingston County

11 deaths in Macomb County

1 death in Mecosta County

15 deaths in Oakland County

1 death in Tuscola County

3 deaths in Washtenaw County

11 deaths in Wayne County

At Wednesday's reporting time, 43 deaths and 2,294 confirmed cases were reported by the state, though COVID-19 case reporting times vary between state and local health departments.

The number of cases has steadily risen since the first two were reported March 10, with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announcing a state of emergency that night.

A "stay home" executive order from Whitmer is in effect through April 13, as officials seek to stem the spread of the virus.

Follow Marlowe Alter on Twitter: @Marlowe Alter.