PAOLO MARCIANO

Officials with the Henry Ford Health System held a virtual news conference Wednesday morning to provide an update on COVID-19 hospitalizations, vaccinations and the virus’ impact on operations.

Michigan’s fight against COVID-19 is at yet another critical point as 20% of Michigan hospital beds are filled with COVID patients.

“We’re in a critical stage right now. We are surging. We’re leading the nation in terms of cases. We are trailing in terms of vaccinations, and we have omicron here.”

More U.S. states desperate to defend against COVID-19 are calling on the National Guard and other military personnel to assist.

The state reached a pandemic record this week in the number of hospitalized patients with confirmed cases of COVID-19. About 22% of beds are filled with COVID-19 patients. This is not just in COVID-19 patients. State officials are working with federal authorities to identify staffing resources to continue to support Michigan medical centers. This is so hospital workers can maintain a standard of care, of caring and empathy, for COVID patients and also the broader population.

“We’re in a critical stage right now. We are surging. We’re leading the nation in terms of cases. We are trailing in terms of vaccinations, and we have omicron here.”