Bay Area hospitals have begun to report bed shortages in their intensive care units and cancel elective surgeries, as COVID-19 numbers continue to rise across California.
The number of coronavirus patients admitted to Bay Area hospitals has tripled in the past month.
Dr. Jennifer Tom, associate chief medical officer for Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose, said some ICUs in the South Bay are at 93% capacity.
“These numbers are gravely concerning,” she told KCBS Radio.
Some local hospitals have chosen to postpone elective surgeries to free up beds.
“We want you and your loved ones to get the care that you need at our hospitals if you become seriously ill,” Dr. Tom said. “We each must do our part to slow the spread of transmission and protect our hospital capacity, thereby protecting those who live and work here.”
In San Mateo County, 72 individuals were hospitalized with the virus as of Thursday, and the county had just 12 permanent ICU beds available.
Officials set up an overflow medical facility with what they called "ICU surge beds" at the San Mateo Medical Center.
Several hospitals have set up those familiar white tents outside of their emergency rooms.
Officials predict that the state and country are going to see a surge of coronavirus patients within days because of the Thanksgiving holiday.
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