ALLISON WEINMANN

In addition to working through the personnel shortages plaguing most hospitals nationwide, the West Michigan health system has also struggled through supply shortages. Last month, Henry Ford Health System reported temporarily closing 120 hospital beds throughout its hospitals to better focus staffing resources. Dr. Elmouchi estimates about 80% of Spectrum’s COVID patients are not vaccinated, and that rate is about 90% in the ICU. On average, vaccinated COVID hospitalizations are patients in their 70s with four comorbidities, compared to the non-vaccinated, which are on average in their 50s with two comorbidities. In previous COVID surges, hospital leaders have gone public with their concerns -- sort of a sounding of the alarm.

The start of fall is expected to bring new challenges in fighting the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan. READ: Whitmer signs bill to cover $300 weekly unemployment bonus for Michiganders during pandemicHere are four ways we can fight the spread of COVID-19 this fall. Dont fall into normal routineEvery activity that youre thinking about doing really needs to be thoughtful now, said Dr. Allison Weinmann, an infectious disease specialist at Henry Ford Hospital. Fight the frustrationThe third method of stopping the spread of COVID-19 is to fight the frustration that this pandemic isnt yet over. What are ways you can reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 but still keep some of your family traditions alive?