A person washes their hands to reduce transmission of COVID-19.
Washing your hands regularly, wearing a mask and staying at least 6 feet from others are all steps you can take to reduce transmission of COVID-19. (For Spectrum Health Beat)

This is not the time for COVID-19 fatigue.

Cases are surging nationwide, and particularly in West Michigan.

Spectrum Health is seeing a large number of COVID-19 patients—far exceeding the peak reached last spring.

This means we must continue to be careful to avoid contracting the virus—and to prevent the spread of it in our community.

Here are the top 10 ways to reduce your COVID-19 risk, according to infectious disease specialists at Spectrum Health:

  1. Wear a face mask in public and in groups—always.
  2. Wash your hands as frequently as possible—use soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer.
  3. Try not to touch your face.
  4. Avoid crowds. Stay at least 6 feet from anyone not in your household.
  5. Avoid contact with frequently touched surfaces and objects.
  6. Restrict gatherings to less than 10 people. (This may seem extreme, but as we go indoors more, it’s even more important.)
  7. Skip the potlucks. Bring your own food and drinks to a gathering, and have just one person serve all shareable food.
  8. Avoid contact with anyone who is sick—and stay home if you feel sick.
  9. Avoid indoor visits to bars and restaurants. Order take-out instead.
  10. Skip the carpool and ride separately. And if you do ride in a vehicle with someone outside of your household, wear a mask.

Hospitalizations for COVID-19 have risen 80% in Michigan, as cases have trended upwards in all regions of the state, according to a joint statement issued by the Michigan Health & Hospital Association.

Leaders from 110 of Michigan’s 137 hospitals, including Spectrum Health, issued a joint statement Thursday, Oct. 22, encouraging Michigan residents to follow safety precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.

“Help keep COVID-19 under control by doing what you can to prevent more illness and hospitalization,” the health leaders urge. “Support our dedicated and courageous healthcare staff as they continue the fight against COVID-19 for those patients who have the misfortune of becoming ill during the pandemic.”