Reckless policy endangers lives of state’s most vulnerable residents

State Rep. Julie Calley stood up on behalf of the many vulnerable people in Michigan nursing homes whose lives have been endangered because of a COVID-19 policy put in place by the governor.

Calley, of Portland, helped sponsor a resolution approved by the Michigan House calling to end Gov. Whitmer’s policy of placing COVID-19 patients into long-term care facilities.

“Fortunately, our local nursing homes were prepared to isolate incoming patients and protect their residents. Many facilities throughout the state were not, but they were required to accept COVD-19 patients regardless of their level of preparedness,” said Calley.

“Putting contagious patients under the same roof as our most vulnerable residents – many of whom have compromised immune systems – was a recipe for disaster,” she continued. “I can’t help but wonder how many people lost a loved one because of this dangerous policy, especially when alternatives were available, such as the field hospitals in Novi and Detroit. Why the governor continues to implement it is beyond comprehension.”

Senior citizens, especially those in nursing homes, are particularly vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus. Recent reports indicate roughly 34 percent of Michigan’s COVID-19 deaths – more than 1,900 people – have been nursing home residents.

Calley has joined legislators from both sides of the aisle in repeatedly calling on the administration to release more information related to the nursing home policy, which the governor has acknowledged is flawed. Other states that had implemented the same strategy, such as New York, have since reversed course – but Michigan’s policy remains in place under the governor’s orders.

“Michigan families deserve sensible policies that keep our seniors safe – and the governor’s plan clearly doesn’t meet that standard,” Calley said. “Families whose elderly loved ones died alone and afraid in our nursing homes deserve answers.”