Michigan’s fight against COVID-19 is at another critical point as 20% of Michigan hospital beds are filled with COVID patients.

Hospitals are again asking for more ventilators and PPE.

“This is serious, and the surge not only has the ability to impact your access to care if you go unvaccinated, test positive for COVID and need hospitalization, it also puts you at risk. the ability of you or anyone in your family who needs care for other conditions, ”said Elizabeth Hertel, director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

University of Michigan physician Dr. Jim Baker, immunologist and founder of the Allergy Clinic, said most outbreaks occur in K-12 schools.

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See: Tracking Coronavirus Cases and Outbreaks in Michigan Schools

“What we’re seeing right now is pretty remarkable,” Baker said on WDIV Local 4’s “Flashpoint”. “Most outbreaks occur in the K-12 situation in schools and nursing homes. And in nursing homes in particular, half of the people who work there now are not vaccinated. “

Add fatigue to that. Many hospital staff, in all departments, are resigning.

“There are shortages in environmental services. If I can’t turn the room over to clean it, I can’t put a patient in it, ”said Dr Paolo Marciano. , MD, PhD, the chief medical officer at Beaumont Hospital in Dearborn.

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People who hear new vaccinations are needed and many are not vaccinated.

“There is some cross-immunity to the new variant, and I think it’s a good sign that the vaccines will provide some protection,” Baker said. “The real key is that we need to get everyone vaccinated. “

Michigan has reported more than 10.7 million doses the COVID-19 vaccine administered as of Friday, with 67.5% of 16+ residents have received at least one dose, while 62.1% of 16+ residents are considered fully vaccinated.

Read more: 8 Michigan Takeout COVID: Omicron, Fourth Push, “Deeply About Direction”

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