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STATE COLLEGE – When it comes to COVID-19 in Center County, there is cause for concern, according to medical officials.
Mount Nittany Medical Center management on Friday expressed growing concern over the increase in hospitalizations related to COVID-19 – mostly unvaccinated people – that have followed an increase in the number of new cases of the virus in Center County. .
According to a press release from Mount Nittany Medical Center, the facility was treating 42 COVID-19 hospital patients as of September 17. For some, that’s two and a half times the number it was a week ago, according to a hospital spokesperson. Current hospital patients are young and old, ranging in age from 19 to 92 years old.
Cases of the deadly virus are increasing at an alarming rate. Since September 1, Mount Nittany has had a total of 76 COVID-19 hospital patients, already more than the 69 it had throughout August. A year ago, the hospital had 15 COVID-19 hospital patients during the entire month of September.
Over the past two weeks, the medical center’s average daily count of COVID-19 inpatients has increased from 16 to 28. In August, the average daily count was 14.
“We are alarmed by the increasing rate of positive hospitalizations for COVID”, Chief medical officer Dr Upendra Thaker said in a press release. “The vast majority of hospitalized patients positive for COVID are not vaccinated. “
The average age of COVID-19 hospital patients at Mount Nittany in September is 58, Thaker said.
Since the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations started to rise again in August, Mount Nittany has responded with several adjustments to its services, including banning visitors except in special circumstances, allowing only one caregiver, if necessary, to accompany patients to emergencies and outpatient consultations. , and the cancellation or postponement of elective surgeries that require overnight admission.
The rising numbers coincide with the conclusion of the Grange Fair and the start of the 2021-22 school year in Center County. Recently, the Pennsylvania Department of Health made masks mandatory in Pennsylvania schools, although some parents continue to protest masking even as cases increase in children, who are not eligible for the vaccine.
According to the statement, changes could soon happen to Mount Nittany. The release notes that while COVID admissions continue to increase, “It will be necessary to take additional steps to adjust our services to meet the needs of our patients. “
Mount Nittany officials are calling on Center County residents to remain vigilant as the Delta variant of COVID-19 continues to maintain high numbers.
“As a community, and as frontline doctors and nurses, we have been battling the pandemic for over a year and a half now. We strongly urge the community to get vaccinated, to distance themselves socially, to avoid large gatherings, to wear a mask and to wash their hands frequently. Also, if you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone positive for COVID, please isolate yourself from others ”, Thaker said in the statement.
Vaccines are readily available from local health care providers and pharmacies. To find a local supplier, visit vaccines.gov.
The hospitalizations come as Center County has seen a continued rise in COVID-19 cases fueled by the more contagious Delta variant of the virus.
According to the statement, Center County recorded 917 new cases of COVID-19 in the first 17 days of September, up from 639 for the entire month of August and just 148 cases in July.
For more information on COVID-19 or to take a closer look at the numbers, visit health.pa.gov.
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