North Kent News

Michigan’s chief medical executive, Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, recently advised residents on how to conduct themselves safely as the pandemic continues and the Thanksgiving holidays approach, according to Michigan Capitol Confidential.

Khaldun spoke at a Nov. 12 COVID-19 press conference. 

As of Nov. 16, the state currently has over 251,000 cases and almost 8,000 deaths due to COVID-19, according to Michigan.gov. Daily confirmed cases sit at just over 7,000, and daily deaths are at 65 in the state of Michigan alone.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Chief Medical Executive | MDHHS

Khaldun said that Michigan is currently performing approximately 45,000 tests per day, the fifth-largest number of total daily tests of any state in the country. High numbers of cases are being reported across the state. 

Hospitals are filling up quickly, with 20% of intensive care unit hospital beds currently used for COVID-19 patients, and those numbers are expected to rise. Some hospitals report that they are almost at capacity, affecting not only their ability to care for COVID-19 patients, but other patients as well. 

Also concerning is that frontline health care workers are becoming increasingly at risk of contracting the virus, either through community spread or directly from patients, which would lead to staffing shortages, impacting the hospitals’ ability to provide care. 

In light of the serious numbers, Khaldun said that this year’s holiday season cannot be the same as previous years, and she advised against holiday travel. Khaldun advised that those who cannot avoid traveling should take every precaution to contain the spread of COVID-19 before traveling, including not attending social gatherings, wearing a mask while indoors or within 6 feet of another person, and staying home as much as possible 14 days before travel.

“This is not the time to travel for the holidays,” Khaldun said in the press conference. “You also should not be leaving your home, unless you absolutely must, for 14 days before you intend to travel.”

For those who must travel, Khaldun advises against close physical contact.

“You should not have physical contact with people who you don’t already live with,” Khaldun said during the press conference. “I know you may want to hug your extended family, but you could have the virus and you could spread it to them.”

Khaldun advises that residents should stay vigilant and use safe practices to prevent the spread of the virus.

“If you are smart now, you may be able to have a nice holiday with your loved ones alive at this time next year,” Khaldun told Michigan residents.