Nearly 61 percent of Michiganders ages 16 and over had received a COVID-19 vaccine as of June 17, supporting the state’s decision to rescind public health orders related to slowing the spread of the disease (see below). Experts continue to urge the public to use caution, especially when around those who have not been vaccinated.
The MHA continues to keep members apprised of pandemic-related developments affecting hospitals through email updates and the MHA Coronavirus webpage. Important updates are outlined below.
COVID-19 Public Health Orders Ending June 22
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced June 17 that COVID-19 public health orders originally established to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will be rescinded June 22. The recission of emergency orders issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) includes the statewide mask mandate, limitations on gathering capacities, hospital visitor requirements and mandated hospital testing protocols for staff. However, hospitals continue to have the ability to enforce infection control practices within their facilities that require such items as screening upon entry, visitor limitations and mask requirements. In addition, the mask requirement for healthcare employees remains in effect under existing rules of the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Hospitals may want to refer to existing CDC guidance on masking in healthcare facilities when reviewing or developing visitor policies.
The MHA issued a statement supporting the announcement, stressing the important role that the COVID-19 vaccine has played in reducing transmission and illness. In addition, the statement specifies that hospitals will continue protocols in their facilities to prevent the spread of infectious disease.
Members with questions may contact Adam Carlson at the MHA.
U.S. Supreme Court Upholds the Affordable Care Act
The U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling June 17 on California v. Texas that upholds the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In response to the opinion, the MHA issued a statement to media statewide that describes the ruling as a “victory for all who believe in expanding access to healthcare.” The value of the ACA to Michigan is shown in the increase in enrollment for the Healthy Michigan Plan, which has grown over the past year by more than 250,000 beneficiaries who would otherwise have been uninsured at some time during the pandemic.
Additional information on the COVID-19 pandemic is available to members on the MHA Community Site and the MHA COVID-19 webpage. Questions on COVID-19 and infectious disease response strategies may be directed to the MDHHS Community Health Emergency Coordination Center (CHECC).