As the COVID-19 cases rise in West Michigan, hospital beds are becoming more and more scarce but one area hospital is lending a helping hand.

According to WOOD, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital is adding some temporary beds in order to help with the overflow of COVID-19 patients from other area hospitals that are reaching capacity.

Kent County is ranked number four in the state with the most cases of COVID-19 and Ottawa County comes in a number six.

We won't know the increase due to Thanksgiving gatherings for a few more weeks and that result may lead to even smaller gatherings for Christmas.

CDC officials are already advising families to just stay at home in their household bubble for the holiday.

With more beds being offered for patients at Mary Free Bed this will definitely help West Michigan hospitals tend to COVID-19 patients that are maxing out available beds. Unfortunately, with more people being inside due to the weather being colder, more people will surely be catching the virus.

People just can't wait for a vaccine, they still need to be diligent in wearing their mask, social distancing, keeping hands and surfaces clean, and the real big thing is don't leave your house unless you absolutely have to.

Unfortunately, this is all going to get much worse before it gets better, but the only way for it to get better is for everyone to step up their COVID-19 safety precautions. If only half of the people in the region do the right thing and the other half don't, we will never get out of this mess.

People please throw out your political views for a moment and listen to trained health officials who are giving you the advice you need to get life back to normal... there is no shortcut or easy fix. Just like any battle, everyone has to participate and work together to win.

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