Eastern Wayne Today

Rep. Joseph Bellino (R-Monroe) is calling for better protection for Michigan nursing home residents against those who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, according to the Michigan House Republicans website.

He disagreed with an order from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer that places coronavirus patients into nursing home facilities with residents who have not been infected. 

“I don’t think I’m alone in saying I’m confused by Gov. Whitmer’s hypocrisy when it comes to how she’s handled this crisis, especially her disturbing nursing home policy,” Bellino said, according to Michigan House Republicans. “She claims to want to slow the spread of the virus in order to protect Michigan residents, yet finds no fault whatsoever in placing COVID-19 patients into nursing homes -- where my own mom and some of our other most vulnerable residents live. Her poor policy lacks common sense. It needs to end now.”

Rep. Joe Bellino | Michigan House Republicans

He noted a plan that calls for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to partner with the Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to investigate policies concerning COVID-19 patients and nursing homes before Saturday, Aug. 15. Then they have until Tuesday, Sept. 1, to select a regional facility in the eight regions in Michigan for COVID-19 centers. 

He went on to reference Senate Bill 956, which “unlike the governor’s plan, protects nursing home residents by prohibiting the placement of individuals with COVID-19 in any long-term facility, unless it has a separate, dedicated building where affected patients can be properly quarantined and cared for,” he told Michigan House Republicans.

Bellino said he supports the nursing home communities in Wayne and Monroe counties and all across Michigan. He added that can't wait and do nothing while one of the groups who are most at risk of getting COVID-19 are placed at an even higher risk because of the governor's policy.

The Michigan Senate will now begin considering the bill.