Today, we are caring for 42 COVID positive inpatients at Mount Nittany Medical Center, ranging in age from 19 to 92.
Since September 1, we have cared for 76 COVID positive inpatients, compared to a total of 15 COVID positive inpatients in September 2020.
"Our average daily census of COVID positive inpatients has nearly doubled in the past two weeks from an average of 16 COVID positive inpatients per day last week to 28 COVID positive inpatients this past week.
We are alarmed at the escalating rate of COVID positive hospitalizations. The vast majority of the COVID positive inpatients are unvaccinated. In September, the average age is 58.
In August, we activated measures in our pandemic response plan to adjust our services to care for COVID positive inpatients as well as those who need us for acute care. These steps include daily decisions to cancel or reschedule elective surgeries and procedures that require an overnight stay and restricting visitation to No Visitors at our facilities. As the COVID positive admissions increase, it will be necessary to take additional steps to adjust our services to meet the needs of our patients.
As a community, and as doctors and nurses on the front lines, we have been fighting the pandemic for more than a year and half now. We strongly urge the community to please get vaccinated, social distance, avoid large gatherings, wear a mask, and wash your hands frequently.
In addition, if you are experiencing any symptoms or have been exposed to someone who is COVID positive, then please isolate yourself from others," said Dr. Upendra Thaker, Chief Medical Officer, Mount Nittany Health.
Mount Nittany Health continues to vaccinate our community against COVID 19. To register for a COVID-19 vaccine, please go to mountnittany.org/COVID.