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The recent surge in coronavirus cases in Alabama – what one official described as a “tidal wave” – could soon overwhelm hospitals across the state.
As of Tuesday alone, the state added some 3,376 new or probable cases of COVID-19, according to state estimates. Hospitalizations have also been on the rise in recent weeks, with 1,785 people in the state hospitalized with COVID-19, also on Tuesday.
The recent surge in coronavirus cases in Alabama – what one official described as a “tidal wave” – could soon overwhelm hospitals across the state. (iStock)
While hospitals have yet to report bed or staff shortages, a hospital official is concerned the recent spike in cases is causing just that.
“We are now entering the holiday season and we could really be in a situation in the next two to three weeks that would compromise our ability to provide health care,” said Jeanne Marrazzo, director of the infectious diseases division at the ‘University of Alabama at Birmingham, according to AL.com.
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“We have been very careful not to use alarmist terminology. We have been very careful to always try to be scientifically accurate in our communications. But I think this is the time when we need to start thinking about tidal wave imagery, tsunami imagery.
“If you look at our ICU bed situation right now in Alabama, it’s not particularly optimistic,” Marrazzo added, noting that the numbers do not yet include new cases from Thanksgiving gatherings.
Health officials across the country have warned that such festivities will likely lead to an increase in cases and hospitalizations in the coming weeks.
“One could imagine a real need to create auxiliary care places in three weeks”, she continued. “I hope that doesn’t happen. Are we looking at the kind of situation New York experienced in March? Again, it depends. It all depends on what happened over Thanksgiving weekend. “
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While it’s too late to avoid Thanksgiving-related peaks, it’s not too late to avoid such peaks related to Christmas gatherings, Marrazzo said. She pleaded with Alabamians to take precautions as the holidays approach, such as avoiding large gatherings and wearing face masks around those who do not live in the same household.
“We just have to keep giving people the facts,” Marrazzo said, according to AL.com. “Call on their best natures. Appeal to their community spirit and just implore them to help us get through the next few months until we can truly get enough vaccines to help protect people for the rest of the year.
The news comes as COVID-19 hospitalizations in the United States are on track to hit 100,000 in the coming days – just after hospitalizations hit a new record last week, when they exceeded 90 000.
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