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PHOENIX – The state’s largest hospital system is seeing an increase in hospitalizations linked to COVID-19, and executives are concerned about the implications of recent trends, underscoring the importance of vaccinations and masking.
Banner Health chief medical officer Dr Marjorie Bessel held a virtual press conference on Tuesday afternoon in response to the spread of the delta variant and low vaccination rates.
She said, for now, Banner provides all the services to patients. But that could change if current trends continue.
“Right now, we have enough room both in our intensive care units, our hospitals and with our ventilators to take care of anyone in need of COVID care as well as any non-COVID care,” he said. she declared. “If COVID outbreaks continue with this exponential increase, we run the risk of having to delay, reduce, stop elective surgeries in order to be able to respond to COVID patients. “
Dr Bessel said that since early July hospitalizations for COVID have increased 95% and ventilator use has increased 300%.
“We’re not yet close to the peak we experienced in both July and January, the previous two biggest pushes we’ve seen here. However, the slope of what we’re starting to experience looks a lot like the growth. exponential that we experienced during these great surges. “
Dr Bessel pointed out a major difference – the only tool that can keep hospitals from being overwhelmed: vaccines. About 46% of the state’s population is fully vaccinated.
“This is our way through this pandemic,” Dr Bessel said.
Dr Bessel also said 5% of hospital admissions in the past month were pediatric patients.
As for returning to school, she said all students 12 and older should get the vaccine and everyone should follow CDC guidelines for wearing masks indoors.
“The biggest concern is that someone you love or know may get sick or die from what is now a preventable disease,” Dr Bessel said.
Dr Bessel echoed national data which shows 97% of COVID hospitalizations and 99% of COVID deaths are among unvaccinated people.
Due to the increase in COVID cases, visitation limits have been placed at Banner hospitals in Maricopa, Gila and Pinal counties. Only one visitor is allowed per patient.
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