MI Health System: Hospitals Are At 'Critical Capacity Levels'

ROYAL OAK, MI — Beaumont Health is urging Michigan communities that hospitals and staff are at "critical capacity levels" amid rising COVID-19 numbers across the state.

In a statement released Thursday, Beaumont CEO John Fox called the rising number of new coronavirus cases in Michigan "very troubling and alarming" in asking Michiganders to take steps to help prevent the spread of the virus.

“We are grateful for the knowledge attained from the first two surges," Fox said. "It has helped save many lives. We also now have effective vaccines. To flatten the curve again, we all need to work together now: wear masks, wash hands, avoid large gatherings, practice social distancing and get vaccinated. We cannot do this alone. We need everyone’s help immediately.”

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The number of COVID-19 patients at Beaumont has increased to more than 800 after the health system had fewer than 130 in late February, officials said. Two weeks ago, the health system was treating 500 COVID-19 patients.

Beaumont difficulties have been shared by other hospitals in the Metro Detroit region, with many COVID-19 units at area hospitals ranging from 75 percent to 100 percent capacity, according to Michigan Department of Health and Human Services data.

“The new COVID-19 variants are more contagious. The patients we are seeing are younger and some are sicker and in need of intense medical attention,” said Dr. Nick Gilpin, Beaumont’s medical director of Infection Prevention and Epidemiology, said. “Some younger patients also seem to be waiting longer to get care, thinking they can beat the virus. By the time they come to the hospital, we’re seeing intense illness with pneumonia, blood clots and severe lung injury. This trend does not seem to be slowing down.”

Michigan's battle against the third surge in COVID-19 cases has proven difficult, especially after the state this week announced it was pausing the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine following a recommendation from the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention because of blood-clot concerns.

In a new attempt to combat the curve in cases, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday said the state was expanding its use of antibody treatment in its battle against the coronavirus.

Whitmer and Michigan health officials said the state is expanding the use of monoclonal antibody therapy — the treatment used by former President Donald Trump when he had COVID-19 — in an attempt to significantly reduce hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19.

"We're in a tough spot, Michigan," Whitmer said Wednesday. "And while I appreciate the support we've received from the federal government, I will not stop fighting for more tests, more vaccines, more ways to keep you and your family safe."