I know everyone is heading out tonight so let’s start off the new year on the right foot: No drinking and driving. No venturing off alone even if it’s “only a 5 minute walk.” And throw a coaster or a napkin over your drink if you put it down. Be safe out there and Happy New Year.
In the first two weeks of January there were 103,301 new cases of COVID-19 and 1,072 new hospitalizations for COVID in Arkansas. Most cases and hospitalizations were in working age people 18 and 59. This surge will be felt throughout our economy.
Not surprised AR has almost 13,000 new cases today. @uamshealth has 80 patients with COVID-19, a new record. We also have 735 employees off work with COVID infection or exposure, so staffing patients is very difficult and we are cutting back services in many areas. Get vaxxed.
This is the scenario at most hospitals at the moment. I seem to be treating a higher proportion of younger patients needing oxygen this go around. Anticipate being evaluated and treated in the hallway if you go to the ED.
The hospital @uamshealth is full. COVID-19 numbers increase every day. We are staffing inpatients in the ER and recovery room. No space for transfers. Running out of caregivers. Support health care workers. Mask up. Get vaxxed.