Eight Southeast Michigan hospitals operated by Beaumont Health are currently treating nearly 450 confirmed COVID-19 patients and are nearing capacity, officials said Tuesday.

In a Tuesday evening press release, Beaumont Health Chief Operating Officer Carolyn Wilson said the health organization is “facing limitations and nearing capacity” with staffing, personal protective equipment and ventilators.

“We are taking steps to increase our capacity, such as converting some of our operating rooms into intensive care units,” Wilson said.

Beaumont Health hospitals in Wayne and Oakland counties are currently caring for nearly 450 patients confirmed positive for COVID-19, and another 185 patients have coronavirus test results pending as of 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. Officials said Beaumont currently has some ventilator capacity, but noted that could change as more people become infected.

Beaumont Health CEO John Fox said their hospitals “will soon be looking at the need for coordinating the care of acute COVID-19 patients across the region and beyond.”

“All health systems in Michigan need to work together to help care for these patients,” Fox said. "I am very pleased with the commitment all the hospital systems have expressed to work together to respond to the pandemic.”

At the same time, Fox said, Beaumont is continuing to care for numerous patients who are not infected by the coronavirus: “People are still giving birth, having heart attacks and getting injured in auto accidents.”

The Beaumont press release confirms comments from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Oakland County officials earlier Tuesday.

In an interview with WDET’s “Detroit Today” program, Whitmer said Beaumont Health is “almost at capacity" and said it would only get worse.

“And we haven’t seen the worst of it yet," she said. “The numbers are going to continue to climb.”

According to the latest state numbers, there are 1,791 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Michigan and 24 confirmed deaths.

Hospitals around the state have been caring for and preparing for coronavirus patients, including for potential overflow situations.

Whitmer ordered non-essential businesses closed starting Tuesday, a move that is designed to slow the spread of the virus. She ordered Michigan residents to stay at home with some exceptions, like for getting food or medicine.

PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus. Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home ( door handles, faucets, countertops ) and when you go into places like stores.

Complete coverage of coronavirus in Michigan.

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