An organization representing the state’s acute hospitals is sounding a warning about the pressures coming from a growing number of serious Covid-19 cases.
“In these trying times, we are working our hardest. Covid-19 cases are rising, hospital beds are filling up, and we need your help,” according to a statement from the Delaware Healthcare Association. “Our doctors, nurses, and people working in health care are doing everything we can to take care of you when you’re sick. Yet every day, we’re seeing avoidable illness and death as a direct result of Covid-19. The situation is critical.”
The statement reported that “emergency departments are crowded, and patients fill every hospital room – with some waiting in hallways for an opening.”
The number of Covid cases is taxing the ability of hospitals to deal with other situations, such as heart attacks, vehicle accidents, cancer, and flu.
‘Our doctors, nurses, and people working in health care are doing everything we can to take care of you when you’re sick. Yet every day, we’re seeing avoidable illness and death as a direct result of Covid-19. The situation is critical.’
Delaware Healthcare Association
“Today, that’s uncertain. How does this happen in 2021 — almost two full years since this deadly pandemic began?” the release asked. “How can we as a society stand by and watch people die when a simple shot could prevent a life-threatening illness? Your access to health care is being seriously threatened by Covid-19. We need to stop the spread!”
The release urges Delawareans to get vaccinations for flu and Covid, get booster shots, wear masks and if even if vaccinated, and socially distance.
Those feeling sick should get tested. The number of people getting Covid tests has declined dramatically.
The Delaware Division of Public Health on Sunday reported that more than 400 people are in the hospital with more severe cases of Covid-19. This figure is within striking distance of the peak of 474 early this year, a period when few people were vaccinated.
A similar alarm was issued last week by TidalHealth, which operates a hospital in Seaford and a regional medical center in Salisbury, MD.
Both hospitals are in areas where vaccination rates have been lower than the remainder of the two states. However, all hospitals are reporting a rising tide of cases.
In a related development, Gov. John Carney scheduled a press conference for Tuesday afternoon that will include two Delaware hospital executrives.
