As we move closer to a vaccine to combat COVID-19, hospitals across Michigan continue to experience an increase in cases.
An infectious disease specialist at one of the state's biggest hospitals, Michigan Medicine says public health precautions still need to be closely followed.
In the words of Dr. Payal Patel, "We’re not there yet” as at the end of the coronavirus pandemic.
She says they’re in a second “peak” of COVID-19 cases and it feels like they’re back to where they started in terms of number of cases and lengthy hospitalizations for treatment.
Dr. Patel says they’re at 90 percent capacity at the University of Michigan hospital and while that’s challenging for staff, it’s difficult for patients too as visitors are restricted due to the increase in COVID cases...
“Things are pretty tense in the hospital, and the hospitals are pretty full,” said Patel.
She says even though there is hope on the horizon with several vaccines it’s still important to follow public health advisories and follow the same limited gatherings for Christmas as were advised for Thanksgiving.