For now, the Bay Area does not fall under the state’s new stay-at-home order and is expected to hit the 15% ICU capacity threshold later than the rest of the state.
But extra restrictions may be coming to San Francisco anyway, because there are serious concerns the city is on track to run out of ICU beds.
“Unfortunately if and when we run out of ICU beds - intensive care unit beds, those beds that are so important, that keep people literally breathing - there will be no other place else to go because the region, the state and indeed the country is starting to run out of beds,” Public Health Director Dr. Grant Colfax told KCBS Radio, adding that the situation is worse than it has ever been.
Colfax expects the city to run out of beds by Dec. 26, but says it could happen even sooner.
A few weeks ago there were about 30 COVID patients in San Francisco hospitals. Today there are nearly 100, including four people from outside the region.
“We expect that number could increase as other regions get filled up,” said Dr. Colfax. “Santa Clara County has been very public about the fact that they’re going to run out of hospital beds even sooner than San Francisco.”
So the city may not wait to be told by the state to tighten restrictions, such as shutting down outdoor dining, playgrounds and hair salons.
“We’re looking at additional options including issuing additional orders consistent with the state order, but perhaps a little bit earlier than required.”
He’s reemphasizing the plea to cancel any travel plans for this holiday season and avoid mixing with other households.
“Please don’t be that person who spreads COVID-19 to a person who may need a bed when a bed is not available. Let’s all do our part now.”
