WAYNE, Mich. – Beaumont Health said it is caring for 650 patients with coronavirus (COVID-19) at its eight hospitals, as of 4 p.m. Thursday.
The hospital system also has more than 200 COVID-19 tests that are pending.
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It has already transferred some patients as part of its disaster plan, and it will be expanding that plan to care for more potential patients. Currently, the health system is sending patients to its Wayne location.
“The Beaumont Wayne team has the expertise and ability to respond quickly to meet the needs of our COVID-19 patients. When patients come to a Beaumont hospital to seek care for COVID-19, our physicians will assess them. If the hospital does not have the capacity to care for the patient, we will transfer more COVID-19 patients to Beaumont Hospital Wayne,” said Chief Operating Officer Carolyn Wilson.
To make room for more patients, the Emergency Center at Beaumont Wayne and obstetrical services will be temporarily closed as soon as possible.
According to officials, patients who need emergency care, even for COVID-19, should go to the Beaumont Canton Emergency Center or another hospital.
Curbside screening for COVID-19 at Beaumont Wayne will also close.
“We continue to monitor the shifting volumes and needs of our patients and teams across Beaumont to make the best decisions,” Wilson said. “I am confident the team at our Wayne hospital is ready to serve the needs of COVID-19 patients. We are sending additional staff, supplies and equipment to help support our phenomenal team at Wayne.”
Officials said the hospitals will also partner with other health systems on a limited basis.
"On a limited basis, we are partnering with other Michigan health systems with capacity for COVID-19 to move patients outside Beaumont for care,” Beaumont Health CEO John Fox said.
As of 2 p.m. Thursday, the state is reporting 2,856 cases of COVID-19 in Michigan, and 60 people have died.
MORE: What the CDC says you should do if you believe you have coronavirus (COVID-19)
How COVID-19 Spreads
Person-to-person spread
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Can someone spread the virus without being sick?
- Spread is possible before people show symptoms. People who are not showing symptoms can still be carrying the virus and can still pass it on to other people.
Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
How easily the virus spreads
How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.
Prevention & Treatment
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Click here for more guidelines from the CDC.
People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Question about coronavirus? Ask Dr. McGeorge here.