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Rep. Wakeman, House approve resolution opposing governor’s controversial COVID-19 nursing home policy
RELEASE|June 18, 2020

State Rep. Rodney Wakeman today joined his House colleagues in approving a resolution opposing the governor’s nursing home policies, which have put the lives of Michigan seniors in danger during the COVID-19 health emergency.


Gov. Whitmer has continued with a plan that places COVID-19 patients into long-term care facilities – putting individuals who have tested positive under the same roof as healthy residents. Other states that had implemented the same strategy quickly realized the mistake and have since reversed course, but Michigan has not.


“These are our grandparents, parents, spouses, siblings and friends that are being put in harm’s way under the governor’s irresponsible and misguided COVID-19 nursing home policies,” said Wakeman, of Saginaw Township. “The governor knew long before COVID-19 made its way into Michigan that nursing home residents – especially those with underlying health conditions – were at a much higher risk for severe illness and needed to be protected. Our loved ones are not expendable, and it’s a shame our governor continues to expose them to her fatal policies.”


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


Nursing homes without dedicated spaces to isolate and tend to COVID-19 patients are required to send them to regional hubs – a separate nursing home, which has been approved by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. A June 15 executive order requires the hubs to accept patients.


“I find it unconscionable the governor continues to require nursing homes to accept COVID-19 patients at the same time she is prohibiting family members from visiting facilities to see their loved ones they have not seen in months” Wakeman added. “This policy contradicts all reasonable and sensible safety measures. My heart breaks for those who have a family member or spouse who has become a victim of COVID-19 due to the governor’s policies. The people of Michigan deserve much better.”

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