Michigan medicine limits visitors to adult patients amid spike in COVID cases

ANN ARBOR – Starting Friday, Michigan Medicine will adopt increased restrictions on visitors as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations increase across the state.

Like its policy of restricting visitors in the early months of the pandemic, no visitors will be allowed for adult patients, unless medically necessary.

Michigan Medicine chief medical officer Jeffrey Desmond said the measure was being taken to reduce the risk of the virus spreading to patients and hospital staff.

“At Michigan Medicine, we have seen our hospitalizations related to COVID-19 increase, doubling in the past few weeks to reach 68 patients today,” Desmond said in a statement. “We have also seen an increase in the rates of COVID-19 in the surrounding communities and an increase in the rates of positive tests.

“The safety of our patients and staff is our top priority, while doing everything we can to minimize the spread of disease. Restricting visitors is not something we do lightly because we know it is difficult for our patients, their families and their friends. But this step will help us slow the spread and keep all of our Michigan medical facilities safe for everyone.

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Some exceptions apply at the end of life and to patients in labor and delivery.

To view Michigan Medicine’s visitor policies, click here.

Currently, the visit policy for pediatric patients remains the same with two parents or authorized caregivers. A primary caregiver is permitted for the pediatric clinic and outpatient care, unless an additional assistant is required.

No visitors will be allowed for adult patients in ambulatory care clinics, unless the patient has a physical or cognitive impairment that requires another accompanying adult.

The current visitor policy for outpatient surgery and intervention areas remains unchanged.

Visitors are required at all times to wear face masks covering their nose and mouth in Michigan Medicine, even if they have previously received a COVID-19 vaccine. Those who refuse to wear masks in all areas, including patient rooms, will not be allowed to stay.

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Patients who can tolerate a face mask should wear one in the presence of health care workers and visitors. Emergency department patients should wear a face mask at all times.

Desmond stressed the importance of getting the COVID-19 vaccine and urged everyone to research all possible options for receiving the vaccine.

“All vaccines reduce serious illness, hospitalizations and death,” Desmond said in a statement. Every hit counts. If you have not yet been vaccinated, please consider getting vaccinated as soon as possible. We must work together to stop the spread. “