MD Hospitals Are Filling As COVID-19 Again Surges, Industry Officials Say

MARYLAND — As hospitals in Maryland near capacity, state health leaders are urging residents to take preventive measures.

"Last week Maryland hospitals hit a historic, unprecedented and unwanted milestone — the lowest number of hospital beds available since the beginning of the pandemic," Bob Atlas, president and CEO of the Maryland Hospital Association, told Patch.

Hospitals statewide are 93 percent occupied for medical/surgical and ICU beds, the Maryland Hospital Association reported Wednesday. Coronavirus patients account for 15 percent of those overall.

There were fewer than 500 staffed hospital beds available Monday, according to the association.

Calvert County reported Wednesday that its only hospital was at capacity. The head of Upper Chesapeake Health reported its two hospitals in Harford County were full as well.

As coronavirus cases increase, authorities say they are stretched thin because of a workforce shortage and hospitals that are already full.

There are 1,151 coronavirus patients in Maryland hospitals, the Maryland Department of Health reported Wednesday. One month ago, officials said there were 508.

"Maryland is facing a spike in COVID cases — and hospitals have fewer clinicians ready to care for all patients needing hospital care," Atlas said in a statement to Patch. "Our hospitals are in critical condition and need help to ensure they can care for all COVID and non-COVID medical emergencies."

Here are steps Marylanders can take to help, Atlas said:

• Use hospital rooms for emergencies only. For issues not believed to be life-threatening, visit an urgent care center or call your doctor.
• Get vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.
• Wear face coverings, maintain distance and wash hands.

Gov. Larry Hogan said the Maryland Department of Health on Wednesday was ordering hospitals to take actions when the state hits certain thresholds.

At 1,200 COVID-19 patients, Maryland hospitals should reduce non-urgent surgeries that would result in an overnight stay, in an attempt to make all bed capacity available.

At 1,500 patients with COVID-19, hospitals must implement their pandemic plans.

“The actions announced today by Governor Hogan are a recognition of what hospitals across the state are experiencing and will likely become more significant during the winter months,” said Dr. David Marcozzi, the medical system's COVID-19 incident commander.

At its 12 hospitals, Marcozzi said the University of Maryland Medical System saw a 187 percent increase in patients with coronavirus over the last month, as the state is "only beginning to feel the impact of the omicron variant."

The first three cases of the omicron variant were confirmed in Maryland on Dec. 3, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the more-contagious form of COVID-19 is expected to spread rapidly in the coming months.

"The best way Marylanders can support the state’s health care system during this surge is by getting vaccinated, ensuring they receive a third dose, and by following other guidance including masking, social distancing and frequent testing," Marcozzi said.

He advised people that they should expect hospitals to be busier than usual.

“For patients, this surge means longer waiting times right now in emergency departments as we focus on caring for the sickest patients first," Marcozzi said. "Potential additional impacts may include reductions in non-emergent surgical care, busier inpatient units, changes to visitation in hospitals and patient transfers across the state to facilities where beds are available.”

See Also: Harford County Hospitals 'Full To The Gills' Amid COVID-19 Surge