(April 9, 2020 3:10 PM) The Michigan State Senate and House voted on Tuesday to approve an extension of Governor Whitmer’s state of emergency declaration for another 23 days, leaving the ‘Stay Home, Stay Safe’ order in effect through April 30. Governor Whitmer made the formal announcement today at 3 p.m.
“We fully support the Governor’s decision to extend the emergency declaration,” said Paula Autry, President and CEO of Henry Ford Allegiance Health. “There is no question the Governor’s order and response by Michiganders has slowed the spread of COVID-19, allowing hospitals like ours the ability to maintain much-needed capacity to care for sick patients.”
“It can be incredibly hard to stay home and apart from loved ones and routine activities,” added Autry. “But the simple act of staying home is saving lives and allowing our front-line health care workers the ability to provide the most comprehensive care possible for all our patients, including those with COVID-19. Now is the time to dig deep, stay home and not let up.”
As of 11 a.m. Henry Ford Allegiance Health reports treating 45 inpatients in their hospital who tested positive for COVID-19. Test results are pending on another seven patients who are being treated as “persons under investigation,” and are being cared for on isolated units in the hospital to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 to other patients.
Henry Ford Allegiance Health is also reporting two additional patient deaths overnight from COVID-19, taking their total to six COVID-19 related deaths. The patients were both men, ages 52 and 70, with underlying health issues.
Safety for all patients remains a primary objective for clinicians across the country. In a White House press briefing on Wednesday, Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator, instructed all pregnant women to avoid missing their OB appointments. “If your OB thinks you need to be there, you should go. Please know that on the Labor and Delivery wards, they are doing everything to protect you and their babies.”
Health officials at Henry Ford Allegiance Health are echoing those comments from the White House. “Our Labor and Delivery and Mother/Baby units are always kept sterile and remain secure from other parts of the hospital, said Tish Baltimore, BSN, RN, Nursing Director for Women’s and Children’s Services at Henry Ford Allegiance Health. “COVID-19 has not impacted our ability to safely care for our pregnant moms and babies in a way that ensures their protection.”
Community members are able to pass along words of encouragement to Henry Ford patients and employees by visiting the Well Wishes feature on the health system’s website.
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