Regional Hospitals Urge Community to Help Stop the Spread of COVID-19

(source: Alpha Media/Kayla Peake)

Leaders from the major hospitals in the Great Lakes Bay Region held a joint news conference Thursday morning to talk about the impact a recent surge in COVID-19 patients is having on their organizations. Officials from Covenant HealthCare, Ascension St. Mary’s, McLaren Bay Region and MidMichigan Health all said hospitalizations have now surpassed peak levels seen in the spring. The hospitals are asking for strong support from the community and business owners to help slow the spread of the virus. They ask everyone to do their part and lessen the strain on healthcare providers by doing the following:

• Avoid close contact and limit social gatherings
• Wash your hands frequently
• Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Clean and disinfect surfaces often
• Monitor your health daily
• Avoid unnecessary contact outside your home
• Know how COVID-19 spreads

The Great Lakes Bay Region news conference was one of several held in our regions of the state. Hospital leaders warn that more than 3,000 people are hospitalized with the coronavirus in Michigan, a rate that is doubling every two weeks and is expected to soon top the spring peak of about 4,000. Unlike six months ago, COVID-19 is surging statewide.