In West Michigan, Spectrum Health says it's reached a new high for COVID-19 cases.

 

During a media briefing earlier this week, President of Spectrum Health West Michigan, Dr. Darryl Elmouchi, says what they're experiencing is unprecedented. They've seen a dramatic spike in the past week.

 

Helen DeVos Children's Hospital has admitted 18 kids with COVID-19, the highest number it's had .

 

Spectrum Health says about 85% of the COVID patients system wide have not been vaccinated.

 

Spectrum Health Communications specialist John Norton says locally in Mecosta and Osceola Counties, Spectrum Health continues to have high patient volume with both COVID-19 patients and other patients.

 

Spectrum's inpatient and ICU units (both in Big Rapids) have been at or near capacity for weeks. They have opened an overflow unit in Big Rapids to handle extra volume when necessary (currently with six patients), according to Norton.

 

He adds, Spectrum Health's emergency departments at both Reed City and Big Rapids have also been high, but not necessarily due to COVID.