Federal Team Stays At Beaumont After More Than 750 COVID Patients Reported

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (CBS Detroit/AP) — A medical team from the U.S. Defense Department is extending its stay at Beaumont Health, which has been overwhelmed with patients sick with COVID-19, especially people who are not vaccinated.

Beaumont, which is Michigan's largest care provider, had more than 750 COVID-19 patients at eight hospitals Thursday, with 65% unvaccinated, a doctor said.

The omicron variant is "frankly a juggernaut," said Dr. Nick Gilpin, Beaumont's medical director of infection prevention.

"If you have ignored our pleas for help before, now is the time to take action. ... Wear a mask. Get vaccinated. Get boosted."

Michigan averaged 13,673 new daily COVID-19 cases on Tuesday and Wednesday.

A Defense Department team dispatched in December is sticking around through January at a Beaumont hospital in Dearborn. It includes nurses and respiratory therapists in the emergency and critical care departments.

"We were able to open additional beds in critical care, and our patients and staff have truly benefited from the expertise," said Tom Lanni, chief operating officer in Dearborn.

On New Year's Eve, the healthcare system announced it was adjusting its visitation policy in response to a rise in COVID cases, allowing one visitor per day for non-COVID patients.

Masks are required for everyone no matter the vaccination status. The new guidelines went into effect at 8 a.m.on Dec. 31.

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