MidMichigan Health Initiates Emergency Preparedness Protocol

MidMichigan Health in Midland has announced implementation of its emergency preparedness protocol due to an increase in volume of community members seeking testing for coronavirus. They released the following statement late Thursday:

“Just as other hospitals across the nation, we are currently in the process of setting up testing tents outside of the Emergency Departments at each of our Medical Centers,” said Lydia Watson, M.D., senior vice president and chief medical officer, MidMichigan Health. “These measures have been put in place to help distance those with a concern about COVID-19 exposure from the rest of our patient population and our staff, health care providers and volunteers.

In January 2020, MidMichigan Health announced that, due to continued cases of the flu being reported and the heighted alert to COVID-19, travel screenings would continue to occur at patient registration areas and the previously implemented visitor restrictions would remain in place for the remainder of the flu season. The restrictions allow only those visitors who are healthy, without symptoms of illnesses, to visit patients at MidMichigan’s Medical Centers in Alpena, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Midland, Mt. Pleasant and West Branch.

“Please continue to share with your family, friends, loved ones and neighbors that for the safety of all, if they think they have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, they are to call their health care provider immediately for instruction,” continued Dr. Watson. “If their provider office is closed, or they do not have a provider, they are to please contact Urgent Care or the Emergency Department prior to coming for direction on next steps.”