Drop in COVID-19 hospitalizations and infections signs of optimism at Henry Ford

Henry Ford Health System is optimistic that the worst of the omicron-fueled COVID-19 wave is over.

The number of patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 systemwide at Henry Ford has dropped below 500 for the first time in weeks, from 551 on Monday to 499 on Thursday. Hospitalizations are dropping at Beaumont Hospital as well. Positivity rates are also on the decline; on Thursday the rate was 33%, down from 44% in the first part of January.

“After weeks and weeks of giving you really sobering news I’m really happy to report that we are starting, and I emphasize starting, to see a trend that we hope will continue have decreased hospitalization.” —Bob Riney, Henry Ford Health System

Henry Ford Health System COO Bob Riney says the numbers are trending in the right direction.

“After weeks and weeks of giving you really sobering news I’m really happy to report that we are starting, and I emphasize starting, to see a trend that we hope will continue have decreased hospitalization,” Riney says.

The staffing crisis at Henry Ford is improving with 120 fewer employees out with coronavirus than last week. Still, systemwide 77 beds remain closed.

Riney says despite recent trends, he urges people to get all their shots.

“The data on people being hospitalized without a booster is quite striking, underscoring the importance and benefit of that third dose for added protection. More than 90% of all hospitalized people for COVID did not receive a booster,” Riney says.

According to the latest data, the state reported 33,551 new cases on Thursday and Friday, a slight decline from the previous five days when there was an average of 17,000 new cases per day.