Arguing “These aren’t faceless, unknown individuals,” Watervliet State Representative Pauline Wendzel has gained the approval of colleagues in the State House today on a resolution opposing Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s controversial COVID-19 nursing home policy.
Wendzel today joined her House colleagues in approving her co-sponsored resolution opposing the governor’s nursing home policies, which have put the lives of Michigan seniors in danger during the COVID-19 era.
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.
Wendzel says, “These aren’t faceless, unknown individuals. These are our veterans, church members, parents, and grandparents who are forced to live in these COVID hot-spots. They’re scared, alone, helpless, and deserve better. Our loved ones are not expendable, and it’s a shame Michigan is continuing this failed policy.”
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 15th executive order requires the hubs to accept patients.
Today’s resolution opposing the governor’s controversial policy passed the House 71-32 with bipartisan support.
Wendzel says, “This isn’t political, this is about doing what’s right and discontinuing a dangerous policy,” and concludes, “I’m pleased this resolution passed with bipartisan support, and I hope it will lead to real action from the administration.”
