McLaren Bay Region Takes Proactive Approach to COVID-19

McLaren Bay Region is taking a proactive approach to mitigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. McLaren is closely following the guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure that all necessary precautions are being taken to protect the health and safety of the community. 

With this approach in place, McLaren Bay Region is currently under visitor restrictions, effective immediately: 

  • Only one healthy visitor per patient is allowed. The visitor should be the primary care partner of the patient.
  • Visitors will be asked to leave if they meet any of the following: 
    • Visitor appears to be ill
    • Visitor is under the age of 18 years old 

McLaren Bay Region understands that visiting loved ones in times of illness is important. However, putting the best interest of our patients and community members first by doing our part to prevent the further spread of COVID-19, is our primary concern at this time. 

Environmental service staff has increased cleaning frequency of high-touch point areas. We are actively encouraging patients, visitors, and staff to continue to place increased focus on effective hand hygiene and utilization of masks if warranted. 

McLaren is offering Coronavirus screenings on the McLarenNow telehealth site to help protect you and reduce the spread of infection. To access McLarenNow, visit www.mclaren.org and click “Virtual Care”. The cost is $29.

For patients coming to the Emergency Department, an external tent is in operation outside of the McLaren Bay Region Emergency Department entrance for patients to be screened prior to entering. This will limit exposure for our patient population and assist in keeping our staff safe. 

McLaren has implemented a screening process to include all patients and visitors entering our hospital. To assist with this, the Mulholland St. visitor entrance, Behavioral Health entrance, and Columbus St. entrance are all closed until further notice. Increased security presence and signage are in place to help direct patients and visitors to appropriate entry points located at our South Tower entrance.

At this time McLaren Bay Region has cancelled all classes, health screenings, and support groups through April 30th. If you have any questions about specific programs, please call McLaren Bay Region at (989) 894-3000.

What steps can you take to help prevent the spread of illness? 

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched, such as doorknobs, light switches, and phones.