COVID-19 spike brings gloomy outlook for months ahead
A healthcare worker performs a COVID-19 test at a drive-thru testing center Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020, in Phoenix. Arizona on Tuesday set a new daily record with over 12,300 additional known coronavirus cases as the number of hospitalized patients approached levels similar to the peak of last summer’s surge, with the state’s seven-day rolling average continuing to climb in the past two weeks as have the rolling averages for daily deaths and daily COVID-19 testing positivity. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
There’s nothing that can stop the wave of COVID-19 cases, deaths and hospitalizations coming this month, public health officials say.
Healthcare system overwhelmed, officials implore people to take precautions Banner says it’s likely they will reach crisis standards of care if trends continue, which could mean higher patient loads for doctors and nurses. (Source: Banner Health) By Megan McNeil | December 9, 2020 at 5:50 PM MST - Updated December 9 at 5:50 PM
TUCSON, Ariz. (KOLD News 13) - Local hospitals are at capacity and crisis standards of care are looming.
Dr. Marjorie Bessel, Banner Health’s chief clinical officer, said in a news conference Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020, her hospitals are projected to hit 100 percent capacity on Tuesday, Dec. 15 and well over that just three days later.