LANSING, Mich. (Great Lakes News) – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is urging residents to avoid emergency rooms at hospitals unless it is a life-threatening situation.

Hospital officials say hospitals statewide are crowded with COVID-19 cases. Individuals who want to get tested for COVID-19 should go to a testing site, not the ER.

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However, conditions or injuries such as chest pain, a stroke, head injuries, broken bones or uncontrolled bleeding still count as a valid emergency department visit.