The Detroit Free Press reported erroneous COVID-19 hospital capacity figures in a March 25 story.
The newspaper reported: “Hospital bed occupancy for COVID-19 patients statewide was at 72% on Monday, according to state health department data.”
However that bed occupancy is for all patients, not just those admitted for coronavirus.
A state report defines "Bed Occupancy" as “The percentage of staffed inpatient beds occupied by any patient regardless of COVID-19 status. This includes surge or overflow beds.”
The Detroit Free Press also stated, “Thirteen hospitals reported they were at capacity of 90% or more.”
That is correct, but is lacking context. For example, the McLaren Bay Special Care hospital in Bangor Township reported 100% bed occupancy but listed having just one COVID-19 patient.
These 13 hospitals with 90% or more capacity reported having a total of 413 COVID-19 patients.
Michigan Capitol Confidential is the news source produced by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Michigan Capitol Confidential reports with a free-market news perspective.