COVID-19
Response
Click here for COVID-19 resources and information about the steps we're taking to keep our communities safe

COVID-19 Resources and Information

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We are all in this together


At Spectrum Health, we’re working to support our community through the pandemic. Our goal is to help you and your family stay healthy and get the care you need.




Here's How We're Responding



Resuming Surgeries, Appointments

Lakeland physicians continue to review all appointments and procedures. Patients will be contacted directly if their provider determines care should be rescheduled in the near future.


Learn More



Expanding Virtual Care

You can receive an online evaluation 24/7 by a board-certified physician by phone, computer or app. 


Learn More



New Visitor Policy

We've changed our family and visitor policy to ensure the health and safety of our patient and team members. 


Get the Details

 

Think you may have COVID-19?

With a growing number of confirmed COVID-19 (coronavirus) cases in West Michigan and the United States, feeling sick can be scary. If you have symptoms like fever, cough or shortness of breath, you can use this automated screener below or call 833.559.0659 for advice on what to do next. Please note: screening is required before a COVID-19 diagnostic test.


 



Covid19 Call


COVID-19 Spectrum Health Lakeland Dashboard

updated 6-5-2020 at 10:00 a.m.

For a more detailed breakdown of confirmed and presumed cases, recoveries, and a map of Berrien County cases click here.

COVID19 dashboard 6.6.20

 

COVID-19 FAQs


Q. What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Symptoms of COVID-19 are flu-like and may include fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath. Some people may also experience fatigue, body aches, a runny nose or a sore throat. Most people develop only mild symptoms. But some people, usually those with other medical complications, may develop more severe symptoms, including pneumonia.

Q: Who is at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19?

People at higher risk include:

  • People 60 and older.
  • People with underlying health conditions such as heart or lung disease.
  • People who have weakened immune systems.
  • People who are pregnant.

People at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible. The CDC website has a comprehensive listing of people at higher risk.

Q. What is the difference between a COVID-19 screening and a COVID-19 test?

The purpose of the COVID-19 screening is to detect risk factors for the virus. Screenings are completed by answering a series of questions. Your risk results are given to you immediately.

A screening is not COVID-19 test. A screening is required before a COVID-19 diagnostic test may occur.

If you have been screened and you have a doctor’s order, you may be eligible to be tested for COVID-19. A COVID-19 test is diagnostic laboratory test that can identify the virus that causes COVID-19. It requires a specimen collection including swabs of your throat, nose and a sample of your saliva. The specimens will be sent to an appropriate testing facility. Results can be delayed several days.

Q. Should I be tested?

Not everyone who feels sick needs to be tested.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath. If you have been exposed to someone with confirmed COVID-19 and are experiencing symptoms, you might have COVID-19. Please contact your doctor or call the Spectrum Health COVID-19 hotline 833.559.0659.

For patients who need testing, we offer drive-through testing by appointment only.

Note: Currently, most testing is being reserved for patients who are severely ill and are at a high risk of infecting others. We know it is frustrating to not know for sure if you have the virus. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding that we're unable to test everyone who may have COVID-19 at this time. If you have a mild case, you may be able to treat your symptoms at home. Staying home helps prevent you from exposing other people to the disease.

Q How long should someone with COVID-19 be in home isolation?

The Michigan State Department of Health and Human Services recommends continuing home isolation until:

At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed with no fever (without the use of fever-reducing drugs) and your symptoms have improved.

AND

At least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.

You may also discontinue home isolation if you had a laboratory-confirmed positive COVID-19 test and at least 7 days have passed from the diagnosis and you've had no symptoms.

Continue Watching

COVID-19: Lowell Hamel, MD "The Fight of His Life"

Lowell Hamel, MD, never imagined he would soon be battling for his own life in the fight against COVID-19.

Jun 2
Provider Video Profile: Katrina Hamel, PA (Family Medicine)

Katrina Hamel, PA is a family medicine provider at University Medical Specialties in Berrien Springs, Michigan.

Jun 1
Physician Video Profile: Alexander George, PA (Neurosurgery)

Introducing Alexander George,PA at Lakeland Neurosurgery. As a physician assistant he helps treat those with a variety of neurological disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord, muscles, and nerves.

Jun 1
We're Ready for You - Loren Hamel, MD

If you have a health need right now, then it deserves our attention right now. Whether you want to see us virtually or in person, don’t delay your care. We are ready for you.

May 28
Gentle, Compassionate Care Close to Home

At Spectrum Health Lakeland, we're part of a team of 80 da Vinci ® surgeons who are specially trained in the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques.

May 22
Provider Video Profile: Heidi Schmeltzer, AuD (Ear, Nose & Throat)

Audiologist, Heidi Schmeltzer, AuD, treats hearing or balance problems for individuals from birth through adulthood at Lakeland Ear, Nose and Throat.

May 5
Check-Up: Is Your Ear to Blame for Vertigo? (Paul Judge, MD)

Lakeland Ear, Nose & Throat otolaryngologist, Paul Judge, MD, explains how vertigo, a room-spinning sensation, is often times driven by problems in the inner ear.

May 1
Lakeland MyChart Computer/Desktop Video Visit

Watch step-by-step how to start a Spectrum Health Lakeland MyChart video visit using your desktop computer.

Apr 24
Lakeland MyChart Mobile Video Visit

Watch step-by-step how to start a Spectrum Health Lakeland MyChart video visit using your mobile device.

Apr 24
We Stay Home For You

Thank you to all those serving on the front lines. You are the true heroes. Together, we are strong. Together, we will see this this through.

Apr 24
Physician Video Profile: Gary Witucki, DO (Wound Care)

Gary Witucki, DO, is a wound care physician seeing patients at Lakeland Wound Center in St. Joseph and Niles.

Apr 21
Community Food Network: A Leg Up on Life

After assistance from a Lakeland nurse, Nancey received intervention for a life-threatening condition in the nick of time.

Apr 8
Orthopedic Surgery: Caren Rossow "Begin with the End in Mind"

After years of wear and tear on her body, Caren Rossow was knee-deep in pain. Since undergoing a bi-lateral knee replacement Caren is back living life the fullest.

Mar 31
Jeff Hannan "Three Years Later and a Clean Bill of Health"

Jeff Hannan's primary care provider discovered a strange lump on his neck which he later learned was thyroid cancer. Two surgeries and multiple tests later, he is happy to have received a clean bill of health at his last check-up.

Mar 30
Warm Quinoa Brussels Sprout Salad

With a great balance of savory, sweet, hearty, and tangy, this quinoa brussels sprouts salad is the perfect side dish that is carb-controlled, high in fiber, and very filling.

Mar 30
Say Goodbye to GERD (Seth Miller, MD)

General surgeon, Seth Miller, MD, discusses the TIF ® procedure, an innovative approach which reconstructs the body’s natural barrier to reflux without an incision.

Mar 19
COVID-19 Press Conference (03-16-2020)

Spectrum Health Lakeland President Loren B. Hamel, MD, discusses the health system's response to COVID-19 and steps being taken to ensure the safety of all staff, patients, and the community.

Mar 18
Check-Up: Asthma: Do you know your triggers? (Albert Naveed, MD)

With today's medicines asthma can be managed very effectively allowing people to have a normal healthy lifestyle. One of the best ways to treat your condition is by know your triggers like allergies, animals, and smoking and avoiding them.

Feb 28
Check-Up: Living Life with a Chronic Condition

You can enjoy life even with a chronic condition. At Lakeland Rheumatology our goal is to offers treatment to get you comfortable and enjoying the things you love in life.

Feb 27
Physician Video Profile: John Gosling, MD (Internal Medicine)

John Gosling, MD is an Internal Medicine physician with Lakeland Primary Care, St. Joseph.

Feb 27
© Spectrum Health Lakeland 2020