Tulsa Hospital Prepares For Increase In COVID-19 Hospitalizations

A Tulsa hospital said it is prepared to make more room for patients as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Oklahoma.

Ascension Saint John Medical Center said it's not only seeing a rise in cases at its Tulsa location, but at its other locations across Green Country. Most of the hospitalizations are people between 30 and 50 years of age who chose not to get vaccinated.

This comes as the State Health Department reported 557 new COVID-19 cases on Monday and 5,600 active cases. Just last week, Tulsa hospitals reported 49 people in the ICU. That number went up to 57 on Monday, according to the State Health Department, which determines that data using a 3-day average.

Despite the rise in cases, Ascension Saint John said it is fully prepared to handle the increase, citing adequate space and supplies. If more ICU space is needed, the hospital said it can quickly adapt.

An Antibody Clinic is available at the hospital for those who've tested positive, but the hospital said few people are utilizing it. The hospital said antibody treatments can significantly decrease a patient's likelihood of being hospitalized.