Special to the Lake Okeechobee News
TALLAHASSEE – Florida hospitals reached a new peak of covid hospitalizations last week, exceeding the highest peak of the pandemic, previously recorded in July 2020.
Most of the current covid hospitalizations are the unvaccinated.
The Florida Hospital Association, the state’s leading voice for hospitals and health systems, provided the following update on COVID-19 in the state on Aug. 3.
Statewide data is derived from the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
HHS Statewide COVID-19 Update as of Aug. 3:
• Current confirmed COVID-19 hospitalizations: 11,515;
• Percent of previous peak (July 23, 2020): 113%;
• Total new COVID-19 cases: 17,001;
• Inpatient bed utilization (all patients): 84%;
• Inpatient ICU bed utilization (adults): 86.5%.
The following information was released by the Florida Hospital Association from a survey of hospitals completed Monday, August 2, 2021. This survey reflects responses from hospitals representing 82% of Florida’s acute care hospital beds.
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COVID-19 hospitalized patients in ICU: 21%
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COVID-19 hospitalized patients on ventilator: 13%
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COVID-19 hospitalized patients transferred from nursing homes/long-term care: 2.7%
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Hospitals expecting critical staffing shortage in next 7 days: 60%
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Hospitals expanding patient care into non-care areas in next 7 days: 23%
“Current hospitalizations and the growth rate continue to be extremely troubling,” said Mary C. Mayhew, President and CEO, Florida Hospital Association. “But vaccines work! The fact that less than 3% of current hospitalizations arrived from nursing homes and long-term care facilities shows the state’s focus on vaccinating and protecting Florida’s seniors and most vulnerable has worked.”