Some Hampton Roads hospitals limiting elective surgeries in response to COVID-19 surge Riverside President Dr. Mike Dacey said COVID-19 patients take up 60 percent of Riverside’s ICU beds. The hospital systems are working together to reduce strain. Author: Allison Bazzle Updated: 11:12 PM EST January 11, 2021 NORFOLK, Va. — COVID-19 cases are reaching new heights in Hampton Roads. It’s hammering away at our hospitals and health care workers. Hospitals cut back on elective surgeries at the start of the pandemic and that’s on the chopping block again to conserve staff energy and bed space. “We don’t have an unlimited supply of people, or resources, or rooms,” said Chief Safety Officer Dr. Joel Bundy.