Hospitals across West Michigan are severely limiting the number of visitors allowed to see patients as well as canceling or rescheduling non-emergency appointments and procedures to limit the potential spread of COVID-19.
Here is a list of hospitals that are taking the precautionary measures:
Holland Hospital
Visitors were limited as of Friday, March 13. Visitors must remain in the patient room and screen negative for symptoms of respiratory infection. No one under the age of 16 will be allowed.
Inpatient Units are limited to one visitor only. Obstetric/Boven Birth Center patients and pediatric patients are limited to two visitors.
Patients with an appointment at Holland Hospital-based clinics, laboratory, radiology or brought to the Emergency Department may have one person with them.
Patients undergoing outpatient surgery or procedures may have one visitor with them.
All Mercy Health Hospital locations
Visitor restrictions were enacted at Mercy Health locations on Thursday, March 12.
They include:
- One visitor per patient at a time
- No visitors under 14 years of age
- Do not visit if you are sick
Every visitor will be screened before entering a Mercy Health facility.
Metro Health-University of Michigan Health
The hospital limited visitors beginning Friday, March 13. Restrictions at all ambulatory clinics and the outpatient surgical center are as follows:
All visitors and family members must be healthy without symptoms of illness
- Visitors are limited to one per patient.
- Two visitors will be allowed for pediatric and maternity patients.
- No children under the age of 12 years will be permitted unless they are a patient.
- Anyone who has recently traveled to CDC Level 2 or 3 countries are not permitted to visit.
Spectrum Health Hospitals Butterworth Hospital
Starting Monday, March 16, visitors will be limited/restricted at all Spectrum Health locations (hospitals, outpatient locations and long-term care facilities) except in special circumstances.
Special circumstances allow for one approved visitor for pediatric, maternity, end-of-life or critically ill patients, and patients undergoing surgery.
Effective Tuesday, March 17, Spectrum Health is canceling all appointments, surgeries and procedures that are not urgent or emergency-related for the next two weeks.
Patients with scheduled non-urgent appointments, procedures or surgeries during this time will be contacted by their provider(s) regarding next steps. Patients with questions should contact their physician's office.
The state has set up a website for COVID-19, and their preparations for dealing with the virus.
What are the symptoms and ways to prevent COVID-19?
The CDC says patients with confirmed infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
The best prevention for viruses, such as influenza, the common cold or COVID-19 is to:
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home, and avoid contact with others.
People in the state of Michigan who are experiencing symptoms can call the health system’s hotline 616.391.2380 to be scheduled for a free virtual screening. Anyone with severe or life-threatening symptoms should call 911.
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