Today, Genesis Health System reports 70 COVID-19 inpatients at its hospitals, up from 64 a week ago. And UnityPoint Health - Trinity has 67, compared to 72 last week. Most of the Genesis patients are 50 and older (58 of the 70).
Also today, Rock Island County reports six more people have died from the coronavirus, and the health department reports 253 more new cases since Friday. (Scott County and Iowa reported data weekly on Wednesdays.)
Dr. Kurt Andersen from Genesis says the lack of hospital beds forced the health care systems to limit the number of surgeries and procedures needed by other patients. And those delays may have serious consequences.
Currently, Genesis is treating 18 patients for the coronavirus in its intensive care units, four more than a week ago. And there are 23 in Trinity ICU's, one more than last week.
Local health officials continue to encourage everyone to get vaccinated, get booster shots, and wear masks indoors in public places. See their collective letter to the public below. It is being shared on social media.
Please note, Genesis Health System supports WVIK as an underwriter.
