LANSING, Mich. — Michigan physicians praised Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s new statewide protections against COVID-19 announced today as critical to reduce infections and minimize disease spread at a time when Michigan just suffered its worst week of the pandemic, with 416 deaths from COVID-19 and 44,019 new cases. Whitmer announced new safety measures that include limits on indoor and outdoor social gatherings, remote working requirements, and no in-person high school or college classes.
“As physicians who see firsthand how COVID-19 is devastating our communities and how rapidly the disease is spreading, we strongly believe that Gov. Whitmer’s actions will save countless lives because the science and evidence tell us again and again that avoiding indoor gatherings, distancing physically, and wearing masks help stop the spread of the coronavirus,” said Dr. Farhan Bhatti, MD, Michigan State Lead for the Committee to Protect Medicare and a family physician in Lansing. “Doctors and frontline medical workers, who put themselves in harm’s way day in and day out, need these basic safeguards, which align with the recommendations of public health experts nationwide. With sick people flooding our hospitals, Gov. Whitmer’s actions will keep more of our colleagues alive and will keep more of our community members alive. Without decisive actions like the ones introduced today, it will be a long, sad winter for Michigan.”
The exponential growth of new COVID-19 cases in Michigan has led to many hospitals reaching capacity. Health experts, hospital leaders and frontline health professionals have been warning that the surge of patients is causing staffing shortages even as beds are rapidly filling up.
High community spread rates mean more health care workers are getting sick in their communities. For health workers, some without enough PPE, the spike in sick patients exposes them to greater risk of getting infected. Nationwide, at least 1,375 health care workers have died due to COVID-19.
About the Committee to Protect Medicare
The Committee to Protect Medicare is an advocacy organization made up of frontline doctors engaging in direct advocacy and communications in support of a stronger healthcare system in America. To learn more: http://committeetoprotect.org/
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NOTE: The physicians above are speaking in their capacity as members of the Committee to Protect Medicare. They should be identified only as indicated in this news release.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sunday, November 15, 2020
