Coronavirus patients at hospitals in Grand Rapids area surge – MLive.com

October 23, 2020

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- As Kent Countys coronavirus cases surge to new highs, hospitals also are seeing peak or near-peak levels of coronavirus patients.

Spectrum Health data shows 111 inpatients at its health care facilities on Wednesday, Oct. 21. That a few more patients than the previous high, in the low 100s, who occupied hospital beds in early May.

But its drastically higher than in June, when Spectrum inpatient COVID-19 cases were in the 30s.

The higher patient loads are coming as Kent County appears to be a hot zone for new cases, although the entire state is trending upward.

The county now has 12,094 cases, up from about 9,400 cases on Oct. 1. The county currently has a seven-day average of 165 cases per day, thats up from 80 cases per day on Oct. 1.

Spectrum Health administrators, in a written statement, said they are watching the inpatient numbers.

We are seeing a large number of COVID patients right now, more than we had seen during our peak last spring. We are watching our capacity closely to be sure we have the team members and rooms for COVID-19 patients as well as other patients who need care, according to the statement.

RELATED: Despite new records, Michigan almost certainly had more coronavirus cases in spring

At the moment, concern is low about hospital capacity issues.

We have planned for this and are ready with testing supplies, PPE and staffing and operational plans. We ask the community to please get your flu shots and continue the COVID-19 prevention practices, including wearing masks, social distancing of at least 6 feet and washing hands often. We know these behaviors work and we need the community to help us by staying the course! It will save lives and keep people out of the hospital, according to the statement.

Other Kent County hospitals also have seen increases in inpatient numbers.

At Mercy Health St. Marys Hospital, there are now 26 inpatients with COVID-19. Thats slightly below the 29 patients recorded in early May but significantly higher than the coronavirus patient load in early September. Then, there were just four COVID-19 patients.

At Metro Health, there are now 13 inpatients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19. Thats more than early May, when the hospital had nine patients. In early September, there was just one coronavirus inpatient.

Kent County Health Director Adam London said now is a critical time for both Kent County and Michigan to keep coronavirus spread in check. With the weather colder, more people are indoors and the conditions for transmission will be greater.

When we look back at the first wave we had (in April), we had the benefit of the weather improving, London said.

London said hes concerned because the new cases are cutting across all demographics and ages. One of the most vulnerable groups is people 80 and older.

In September, there was 21 cases. So far in October, there are 97 cases involving people 80 or older.

Until a vaccine is widely available, London said the best way to prevent coronavirus spread is by the usual health recommendations -- wearing masks, social distancing and frequent hand washing.

I think the majority of the people are following the recommendations, but they are not fool proof, he said.

We need everyone to follow them, London said of the guidelines designed to limit the spread of coronavirus.

He cautioned people against having large Halloween parties or election day parties, warning that coronavirus cases could grow even more from them.

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