Over the last three weeks, the number of COVID hospital patients has risen exponentially. And more than 80 percent have not been vaccinated. That's according to Dr. Toyosi Olutade, Chief Medical Officer at UnityPoint Health in the Quad Cities. He says when people start having symptoms, they should get tested early and if positive for COVID, seek treatment early with monoclonal antibodies.
Dr. Christopher Crome, Vice President of Medical Affairs at Genesis, says administrators are considering limiting surgical procedures and implementing other measures to deal with the continuing COVID surge. He says what happens over the next few weeks depends a lot on whether local residents get vaccinated, wear masks in indoor public places, and social distance.
Besides early testing and early treatment, health care officials say the first lines of defense are to get vaccinated, wear masks while inside public places, and social distance.
On Monday, Genesis reported 77 COVID patients at its area hospitals. UnityPoint Health - Trinity reported 81.
