OSDH Reports Record Number Of COVID-19 Hospitalizations

The State Department of Health is reporting that 1,381 COVID-19 patients are fighting the virus in the hospital, and data shows hospitalizations are up by 19% within the past week.

“It’s almost overwhelming. Some healthcare workers… it’s almost enough to break them,” said Dr. George Monks with the State Medical Association. “Things are really challenging right now. This is real. We’re in a hospital crisis.”

As of November 16, the OSDH reported there are only 50 ICU beds and more than a thousand ventilators available.

“All of these metrics are really heading in the wrong direction and it’s a tough scene at the hospital,” said Dr. Monks. “We’re at or near capacity for COVID-19 beds and ICU beds.”

The state medical association said when hospital beds are full some patients are sent out of state to Arkansas, Texas, and Kansas. Other patients are waiting for hours in the emergency room.

OU Medical Center said hospitals are filling up every day and OU Children's hospital is working to lighten the load by taking in patients up to 30-years-old.

 “[This is] in hopes that we can relieve a little bit of the burden of what’s happening at our adult hospital across the street,” said Dr. Cameron Mantor, the Acting Chief Medical Officer.

Doctors said the Governor’s safety protocols are a step in the right direction, but it’s up to the public to stop the spread.