Hospital bucks Baraga County regarding COVID-19

Baraga County Memorial Hospital has socially distanced itself from the controversial “Manifesto” issued by the Baraga County Board of Commissioners last week.

Adopted in secret, and posted without public notice on Sheriff Joe Brogan’s political campaign Facebook page, the “Baraga County Manifesto” states that the county will refuse to take action to enforce Michigan’s COVID-19 restrictions. It was signed by all five county commissioners, and the county clerk, treasurer, sheriff, and prosecuting attorney.

In a recently released statement, the Baraga County Memorial Hospital Medical staff says the manifesto has raised concerns among the public as to whether the refusal to honor COVID-19 guidelines extends to the hospital. BCMH is owned and operated by Baraga County. The manifesto does not exempt any county operations from its mandate.

Still, hospital officials say they will “stand firm in… agreement with the recommendations and public health orders which have been put forth by the State of Michigan.” The letter notes that Baraga County’s COVID-19 death rate is the highest of any county in the state. It encourages county residents and businesses to follow CDC, state and local health department guidelines as “a way to move forward instead of backward.”