MHA Issues Statement on Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 in Michigan
Posted on March 11, 2020
The following statement can be attributed to Brian Peters, CEO of the Michigan Health & Hospital Association.
Following the confirmation of Michigan’s first confirmed 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) patients by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the MHA is working with state and local public health officials to assist our members as they appropriately respond to COVID-19 cases.
Michigan hospitals have not only been planning for weeks for this specific scenario, but routinely review and practice emergency preparedness procedures to mitigate the spread of infectious disease.
While many Michigan hospitals have activated their emergency response plans, they also are maintaining their regular hospital operations. Those facilities that are treating COVID-19 patients are working with their local health departments to follow appropriate protocol that minimizes the risk of exposure for all other patients and hospital employees.
Our healthcare professionals treat infectious disease and respond to medical emergencies daily, throughout Michigan. The medical staff involved in the treatment of COVID-19 patients, from physicians and nurses to support staff, all deserve our sincere gratitude and support as they work to keep our communities healthy and safe.
What the public needs to know
The MHA encourages the public to review the guidelines established by their local hospital pertaining to infection prevention before visiting the facility.
Maintain Regularly Scheduled Healthcare Appointments
While the public is encouraged to increase prevention efforts, it is important that existing health needs are met and addressed. If you have an elective procedure or appointment scheduled, contact the facility to find out if the appointment should be kept.
Clinical settings are also taking the necessary precautions to promote a sterile, safe space for their patients. Any individual who is experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19 should contact their provider before arriving at a facility so that the appropriate steps can be followed.
Most People Will Experience Only Mild Illness
As a reminder, many people who become infected with COVID-19 may experience mild to no symptoms, which can be treated by supportive care and without hospitalization. We ask that the public continue to follow precautions that we historically follow to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, such as the flu or the common cold, by practicing everyday prevention measures like frequent hand washing, staying home when sick, and covering coughs and sneezes.
Contact Your Healthcare Provider If You Experience Severe Symptoms
Severe respiratory symptoms are associated with COVID-19 and should be addressed immediately. Remember to contact your provider before arriving at a facility so that the necessary protocol can be followed to protect your health, your caregivers and other patients at the facility.
Only Visit the Emergency Department If You Have an Emergency
Only in case of an emergency injury or illness should someone visit the Emergency Department. Individuals with minor injuries or illness are recommended to visit an urgent care clinic or their primary care provider. Michigan hospitals and healthcare providers are committed to providing timely and high-quality care in the most appropriate setting.
The MHA’s role in COVID-19 response
Every day, the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA) represents Michigan hospitals at the state and federal levels to support their efforts to provide quality, cost-effective and accessible care and ensure healthy individuals and communities. The MHA is able to provide a statewide perspective on hospital emergency preparedness and response efforts regarding infectious disease, including COVID-19. The MHA is actively working with all member hospitals throughout the state, as well as the lawmakers in Lansing and Washington DC; the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and the American Hospital Association, to provide the latest updates and resources on COVID-19.
Tags: Brian Peters, Coronavirus, COVID-19
Posted in: News Releases, Issues in Healthcare, Member News, Top Issues - Healthcare