At a joint press conference on November 12, representatives from Ascension St. Mary's, Covenant HealthCare, McLaren Bay Region and MidMichigan Heath shared a combined message that the Great Lakes Bay community needs to help stop transmission of the COVID-19 virus and flatten the curve before resources are compromised. All of the hospitals in the Great Lakes Bay Region are feeling the impact of a second surge of COVID-19 patients with hospitalizations currently surpassing peak levels seen in the spring.

 

In a joint statement, hospital spokespersons stated, "We are asking for the STRONG support of our local community and business owners to help slow the spread of the virus. Local hospitals are seeing a rapid surge in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Currently, we are in a favorable position with supplies, medications, personal protective gear, etc. However, the situation is constantly evolving as cases across the country surge. We can again face shortages if the virus continues to spread."

 

Health departments in our region have done a tremendous job compiling local, pertinent information, and the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services has an abundance of COVID-19 educational materials available as does the CDC. The health community is urging people to familiarize themselves and stay current on COVID symptoms and monitor their health on a daily basis.

Though, in general, hospital stays have shortened due to a better understanding of treatments that impact symptoms, hospital representatives stress that current positive COVID patients are more numerous than they were in the Spring and trending upward. They emphasized that hospitals can't prevent transmission; only individuals can prevent transmission. The virus has not weakened, and there is currently no cure.

All representatives urged physical distancing and masks stating that they are the most effective means of slowing and stopping the spread of the virus. However, they also stated that the hospitals are safe, and patients should not delay care for other health matters because they are afraid of contracting the virus. All area hospitals have protocols and procedures in place to separate COVID-positive patients from other patients including separate units, limited entrance and exit points, call-ahead appointments and telehealth options.

Though each facility is prepared and has space, PPE, supplies and resources to meet the current number of patients, they fear that current upward trends of the virus will lead to shortages. One of their biggest challenges is in healthcare staffs that are themselves becoming both ill and stressed after nine months of constant crisis. The hospitals praised staffs of healthcare workers who have voluntarily worked overtime to ensure patient care and urge the community to continue its support and encouragement of frontline workers.

Collectively, local hospitals are asking the community for help to ease the strain on healthcare heroes and ensure care for those in need by doing the following:

 

 

With approaching holidays that frequently mean large gatherings of extended family and friends, the healthcare community asks for restraint. Limit contact outside your household and consider postponing get togethers or holding them virtually. Remember, most people with COVID-19 can spread the virus for two or three days before they ever exhibit symptoms.

To further protect workers from the increased spread of COVID-19, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) launched a State Emphasis Program (SEP) focused on office settings that addresses the need for increased vigilance, education and enforcement on remote work policies. 

Workplaces continue to be a significant source of spread and outbreaks as Michigan battles COVID-19 throughout the state. On November 5, the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) reported 18 new outbreaks from the previous week tied to office settings and is continuing to track 21 outbreaks tied to offices previously reported. It is imperative that employers implement the mitigation strategies and promote remote work to alleviate potential outbreaks.  

“Workplace outbreaks are increasing along with the state’s community numbers,” said Director of COVID-19 Workplace Safety Sean Egan. “While employers are working hard to mitigate the spread, congregation of individuals whether at the workplace or a social gathering can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.”

In MIOSHA’s COVID-19 Emergency Rules, employers are required to create a policy prohibiting in-person work for employees to the extent that their work activities can feasibly be completed remotely. Under statute, MIOSHA can cite employers, require abatement, and fine them up to $7,000 for failing to produce a remote work policy or if the employer’s preparedness and response plan is non-compliant.

The focus of this SEP is to educate and seek compliance with guidelines and rules that will protect workers in office locations where community spread of COVID-19 is a risk. Under the Emergency Rules, employers must prohibit in-person work to the extent feasible to minimize the presence of individuals congregating in work settings where COVID-19 may spread. MDHHS also issued guidance last week including recommendations for remote work in office settings.

“Employers must prohibit in-person work when an employee’s duties can feasibly be completed away from the office. Remote work for office employees is a crucial mitigation strategy to contain the spread of COVID-19,” said MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman. “Some workplaces, including offices, seem to be lax on requiring certain protocols. As our numbers rise, all workplaces in Michigan must promote and continue remote work to the absolute maximum. Congregating in any setting leads to potential spread and remote work helps mitigate some degree of congregation.”

MIOSHA will conduct inspections at workplaces with traditional office settings to review how rules are being followed and enhance compliance. While inspections will seek to help employers comply with safety standards, if the inspections determine deficiencies in the employer’s COVID-19 preparedness and response plans, citations and penalties up to $7,000 may be issued.

Under the Emergency Rules, businesses that resume in-person work must, among other things, have a written COVID-19 preparedness and response plan and provide thorough training to their employees that covers, at a minimum, workplace infection-control practices, the proper use of personal protection equipment (PPE), steps workers must take to notify the business or operation of any symptoms of COVID-19 or a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, and how to report unsafe working conditions. 

A set of online resources at Michigan.gov/COVIDWorkplaceSafety provides businesses with the guidelines they and their employees must follow and includes a sample COVID-19 preparedness and response plan and a reopening checklist to help businesses put safeguards in place. Businesses can also find posters for employees and customers, factsheets and educational videos.  

To enhance MIOSHA’s consultative services, the MIOSHA Ambassador Program’s safety and health experts are visiting businesses statewide to offer education and support, with a focus on workplaces with a higher risk of community transmission.

Employers and employees with questions regarding workplace safety and health may contact MIOSHA using the new hotline at 855-SAFE-C19 (855-723-3219).

To report health and safety concerns in the workplace, go to Michigan,gov/MIOSHAcomplaint 

The Black Leadership Advisory Council brings together a diverse group of Black Michiganders to serve in an advisory capacity to the governor and develop, review, and recommend policies and actions designed to prevent and eradicate discrimination and racial inequity in Michigan.

Carl M. Williams, of Saginaw, has been appointed to join the council. Williams is the vice president of the NAACP Saginaw Chapter. He previously served as a state representative for the 95th House District, mayor pro tem, and member of the Saginaw City Council. He retired from Delphi Automotive Systems where he was a production supervisor. Williams holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Central Michigan University. He is appointed to represent Black leadership in public policy for a term commencing November 12, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023.

The Black Leadership Advisory Council is housed in the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and will act in an advisory capacity to the Governor and develop, review, and recommend policies and actions designed to eradicate and prevent discrimination and racial inequity in this state. The Council will also work to identify state laws, or gaps in state law, that create or perpetuate inequities, collaborate to promote legislation and regulation that ensures equitable treatment of all Michiganders, serve as a resource for community groups, and promote the cultural arts in the Black community.

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.