California Hospitals Prepare for the Worst as Positive COVID-19 Cases Top 400K

More than 400,000 people have now tested positive for COVID-19 in California, bringing the state to the top of the nation’s list of those with the most infections.

After flattening the curve last spring, the situation declined quickly when the economy began reopening a month ago.

“Pre-June 15, we were increasing the number of COVID-positive cases in California, somewhere between 1,500 and 2,000 a day,” said Carmela Coyle, president and CEO of the California Hospital Association. “After June 15, we saw things skyrocket precipitously where we’re now looking at 4,000 to 9,000 new COVID-positive cases a day.”

Coyle said Southern California continues to suffer the highest hospitalization rates, but several counties in the Central Valley like Fresno, Merced and Kings are recent hot spots.

The state currently has enough beds and staff to care for the approximately 7,100 patients needing medical care. Plus, Coyle said an additional 25,000 beds could be made available as part of surge planning. And, the average hospital stay is shortening as doctors refine treatments like convalescent plasma and drugs like remdesivir.

But Coyle stressed that staff, testing and personal protective equipment are still in short supply. She said the state must continue to shore up resources and prepare for the situation to decline rapidly.

— Lesley McClurg (@lesleywmcclurg)