As the most contagious delta variant of COVID-19 continues to spread across the country, Florida hospitals are being pushed to their limits. With ICU beds filling up and providers struggling to find enough staff to care for patients, the state is facing one of the worst Covid-19 outbreaks in the country. Miami-Dade County, Florida's most populous county, is seeing unprecedented case numbers, making it difficult for hospitals to meet demand. Six hospitals have exceeded full capacity, with one at 123% for adults.
Nearby wall-mounted screens transmitting data from the hospital showed that more than 90 patients, some with Covid-19, some were looking for other beds they needed One had been waiting more than two days. In Central Florida, AdventHealth hospitals had 1,350 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 as of Thursday, the highest number in history. In Georgia, more than two dozen hospitals said this week they have had to turn away patients, as the number of hospitalizations for COVID-19 has risen to 2,600 across the state. Covid patients now occupy nearly 200 of Tampa General Hospital's 1,041 beds as of Tuesday, according to data provided by the hospital, which serves west Florida and the greater Tampa Bay region.
The federal government is now sending 200 respirators, 100 breathing devices and other related supplies to the state, according to NBC News, to help Florida health officials respond to record numbers of hospitalizations. In response to the crisis situation, many hospitals have suspended elective surgeries and placed beds in conference rooms, an auditorium, and a cafeteria. Mississippi had only six intensive care beds open in the entire state in the middle of the week. As a result of these overwhelming numbers of hospitalizations due to COVID-19 in Florida, it is important for healthcare providers and patients alike to be aware of how best to cope with this situation. Healthcare providers should ensure that they are following all safety protocols and guidelines set forth by their local health departments and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Additionally, healthcare providers should be prepared for an influx of patients by having enough staff on hand and ensuring that all necessary supplies are available. Patients should also take steps to protect themselves from contracting COVID-19. This includes wearing a face mask when out in public, washing hands frequently with soap and water or using hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available, avoiding large gatherings or crowded places, and staying home if feeling sick. Additionally, it is important for patients to seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms associated with COVID-19 such as fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. As Florida hospitals continue to be overwhelmed by record numbers of hospitalizations due to COVID-19, it is important for healthcare providers and patients alike to be aware of how best to cope with this situation. By following safety protocols and guidelines set forth by local health departments and CDC as well as taking steps to protect themselves from contracting COVID-19 such as wearing a face mask when out in public and avoiding large gatherings or crowded places, healthcare providers and patients can help ensure that they are doing their part in helping Florida hospitals cope with this unprecedented situation.
