Spectrum Health closing all of its walk-in clinics as coronavirus crisis grows – MLive.com

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Spectrum Health announced late Thursday, March 26 that it was immediately closing all walk-in clinics in West Michigan due to the coronavirus crisis.

Spectrum Health officials said the clinics would be closed until further notice as a way to limit unnecessary exposure to COVID-19. The organization oversees at least 11 clinics.

Michigan coronavirus numbers now at 2,856 cases, doubling in three days

They encourage people to connect virtually with medical providers and have a web page with information about accessing health care in that manner and other methods.

To limit unnecessary exposure to COVID-19, Spectrum Health has enabled our primary care and most of our specialty care medical teams to see patients through a virtual visit. For needs requiring a face-to-face visit, there are locations available and open to patients, including urgent care sites and labs. Care options are available to all patients, Spectrum officials said in a written statement.

Anyone with an emergency should call 911.

Spectrum Health also has a COVID-19 screening phone line if people think they may have symptoms.

The hotline phone is 833-559-0659 or people can go to Spectrum Healths virtual chat at spectrumhealth.org/covid19

Coronavirus symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Many infected people exhibit mild symptoms and dont necessarily need to be tested or treated in-person, as theres currently no known vaccine or cure for the disease.

Read all of MLives coverage on the coronavirus at mlive.com/coronavirus.

Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

CORONAVIRUS PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus. Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home ( door handles, faucets, countertops ) and when you go into places like stores.

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Spectrum Health closing all of its walk-in clinics as coronavirus crisis grows - MLive.com