We reached out to Mercy Health to get the latest information on hospital visitation policies, recommendations for ER visits, and how we can support our healthcare workers.

What do people need to know about visiting a loved one in the hospital right now?  

Mercy Health, Metro Health University of Michigan Health, and Spectrum Health have revised their visitor policies to align with a new executive order from Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The additional restrictions are intended to prevent the spread of illness and protect patients, health care workers and our communities.

Starting Monday, March 16, restricted/no visitors will be allowed at any locations (hospitals, outpatient locations and long-term care facilities) for all local health care systems. For special circumstances, one approved visitor will be allowed in situations involving patients undergoing surgery and pediatrics, maternity, end of life or critically ill patients. 

If people feel they need to visit the ER for non-coronavirus issues, how should they about accessing care?

If a person is healthy enough, they should call their primary care physician first, who can help them determine next steps for care.

If they require emergency care, they should still come to the Emergency Department. We are working to appropriately triage people so that those who are suspect for respiratory illness are separated from those who are not. 

What should people do if they suspect they have COVID-19?

If you suspect you are sick with COVID-19, follow the steps below to care for yourself and help prevent the disease from spreading to other people:

• Contact your health care provider if your illness is worsening. Reach out to your health care provider by calling ahead before visiting the office. Tell your provider that you have coronavirus-like symptoms, so they can take steps to keep other people from getting infected.

• Wear a facemask, and cover your coughs and sneezes.

• Clean your hands often.

We all know that our healthcare workers are overwhelmed. What can we do to help them? 

• Stay up to date from reputable sources about COVID-19, including CDC.gov, Michigan.gov, and your health system's websites. Mercy Health has information available at: mercyhealth.com/health-and-wellness/coronavirus
  
• Follow the CDC recommendations around social distancing and following proper hand hygiene, to help you and those around you stay healthy. Use technology to check in with loved ones, neighbors and friends who may feel isolated.