COVID-19 related hospitalizations in Utah (9/30/21)
The current demand on hospitals poses a risk to each and every Utahn
The number of patients being treated for COVID-19 in hospitals and ICUs has increased dramatically since the beginning of summer. Since June 1, the number of patients who are currently hospitalized for COVID-19 has increased by 316% and the number of patients currently being treated for COVID-19 in ICUs has increased by 290%.
Utah ICUs are full of COVID patients — nearly all of whom haven’t been vaccinated. Get the vaccine to keep ICU beds open.
316%: The increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations in Utah since June
We are seeing hospitalization numbers as high as or higher than what we saw during the winter surge on any given day. Nearly all of the patients hospitalized for COVID-19 are unvaccinated.
In the last week, one health system needed to bring providers who usually care for patients in offices and clinics into the hospital setting to provide care. This means less access to outpatient services as hospitals continue to experience a surge of severely ill COVID-19 patients requiring hospital level-of-care.
Hospitals are implementing contingency strategies to try and preserve patient care as best as possible. That means anyone who needs care at a hospital or ICU, for any reason (car crash, heart attack, or COVID-19), may not be able to get the care they need.
Surges in COVID-19 can overwhelm hospital capacity to the point that patient care may be diminished. Patients may not receive the best care they deserve. Patients may have to wait for several hours before a hospital bed is available for them. Patients and families may have to travel far greater distances than is ideal or normal for care or to secure a hospital bed. Care for injuries or medical issues that are not immediately life-threatening may be delayed.
The best way you can help protect our hospitals and healthcare workers and limit the spread of COVID-19 is to get the vaccine.
Low vaccination rates mean higher COVID-19 transmission
Utah communities with low vaccination rates are experiencing higher rates of COVID-19. If you’ve waited to get vaccinated, now is the time!