News Releases

Beaumont Health’s medical team is currently caring for the first Beaumont patient who tested positive for COVID-19. The patient is at Beaumont Hospital, Dearborn and is in good condition. The patient has been isolated to reduce the risk of exposure to others. Safety is our top priority.

Beaumont is following CDC guidelines and screening protocols while maintaining standard infection control best practices. Beaumont also remains in close communication with state and county public health officials to monitor the spread of the virus.

NO VISITORS

Beginning at 6 a.m., March 15, 2020, Beaumont Health is restricting all visitors at all Beaumont sites until further notice.

One visitor will be permitted for the following exceptions:

• End of life
• Mothers in labor (her significant other is permitted)
• Pediatric or NICU patients (both parents are permitted)
• Emergency center
• Patients undergoing surgery
• Cognitive or mental disability in adults
• Additional exceptions to these extenuating circumstances will be determined by the hospital’s administrator on call

BEAUMONT’S APPROACH

Beaumont has a two-step approach to help patients infected by the disease and stop the spread to others:

1. Identify patients who might have COVID-19 and isolate/quarantine them as quickly as possible. 
2. Immediately get medical resources to the affected patients to increase their chances for full recovery.

BEAUMONT CORONAVIRUS HOTLINE

Beaumont created a COVID-19 hotline, 248-551-7000, staffed by Beaumont nurses and staff seven days a week. The hotline is a community resource for timely, accurate information about COVID-19 symptoms and virtual screening for people who are experiencing symptoms. The line is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Beaumont nurses and staff will answer questions about the virus and direct patients to the appropriate level of care including:

• Treating symptoms at home.
• Following up with a primary doctor.
• Seeking treatment at an urgent care or emergency center.

Please do not call the hotline unless you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, please call 911.

Beaumont is in the process of increasing the capacity of the phone line. There are also several other coronavirus hotlines available:

• State of Michigan:  888-535-6136
• Oakland County: 248-858-1000
• Centers for Disease Control: 800-232-4636

LIMITED CURBSIDE SCREENING

Beaumont hospitals in Royal Oak, Dearborn, Farmington Hills, Troy are currently offering limited curbside screening and evaluation for COVID-19. This limited screening is only for patients who have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath).

NOTE: If medical staff determine a patient needs to be tested, a specimen will be collected and sent to a lab for testing. Call ahead to Beaumont’s COVID-19 hotline or your physician’s office before attempting to get screened.

“We are offering this limited screening option to help reduce the spread of the virus. Many people who develop COVID-19 should stay home, drink lots of fluids, rest and take over-the-counter medications, like pain relievers. Please call ahead and talk with your physician or another health care provider before seeking treatment at a hospital or other health care facility,” Dr. Nick Gilpin, Beaumont Health’s medical director of Infection Prevention and Epidemiology, said.

Older adults with underlying health concerns or those with a compromised immune system who suspect they might be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should contact their physician.

OTHER MEDICAL CARE

Beaumont will continue to serve and care for the needs of all patients whether they are giving birth, needing surgery or requiring lifesaving emergency procedures.

“We are committed to providing the critical health services we typically offer our patients. During this time, our patients still need care for health conditions unrelated to the virus,” Beaumont Health Chief Nursing Officer Susan Grant, RN, said. “We will be here for them.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP STOP THE SPREAD OF COVID-19

• Stay home when you are sick (fever, cough, upper respiratory infection symptoms).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating, after coughing or sneezing, and after using the bathroom
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.