Emerson Hospital Is 'Safe And Ready' For Second Coronavirus Surge

CONCORD, MA — Doctors and nurses at Emerson Hospital are equipped with the tools and knowledge of the COVID-19 virus to take on a second surge, but they're still counting on residents taking personal responsibility to limit the spread.

Unlike some larger hospitals in Boston, Emerson wasn't overrun by COVID-19 patients in the spring, although they were fully prepared for the surge. That sense of preparation never went away and with a more informed understanding of the virus and treatment, Emerson President Christine Schuster said the hospital is ready for what the winter brings.

State officials notified Emerson and other area hospitals that the anticipated surge could hit between Dec. 15 to the 21.

"Like with the first surge, if we have to shut ourselves off we will," Schuster said, adding that she's optimistic that won't be the case as Governor Charlie Baker has been supportive of hospitals staying open for elective cases.

Schuster noted that residents themselves have the power to keep the surge from being as serious as what the nation saw in the spring.

"The elderly are staying in and following the rules, it's the younger folks I worry about," Schuster said, "Community spread is really what we're seeing."

As college students return home for the holidays, the town has taken a proactive approach in urging residents to stay home and fight the urge to gather for the holidays or for reunions. Concord has reported a total of 220 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Nov. 12, with most of the active cases in town coming from residents between the ages of 21 to 30.

Over 18,000 COVID-19 tests have been administered in Concord with more to come. Schuster said Emerson has made efficient testing a priority and offers drive-thru testing as well as testing by appointment at several Emerson sites.

Emerson had four active COVID-19 patients in the hospital as of Nov. 13 and two people who were admitted and "under investigation" according to the hospital's website.

Schuster stressed that residents should not put off standing medical appointments or treatment for other illnesses because of COVID-19.

"The hospital is the safest place you can be," Schuster said.

After the first surge in the spring, Schuster said Emerson saw lots of residents who had put off their appointments and came to doctors sicker than they should've, had they been proactive. With separate entrances and units for COVID-19 patients, Schuster said Emerson is safe and open for regular procedures and appointments.

Outside medical appointments, Schuster is joining a chorus of officials in urging residents not to hold holiday gatherings. Baker's administration pleaded with people to stay put this year and only celebrate Thanksgiving with those in their own home, pointing to the state's Thanksgiving guidelines.

"Sacrifices that we make this year will allow us to celebrate together next year," Schuster said.

Massachusetts has a total confirmed COVID-19 case count of 196,670 cases since March, with the count steadily rising. The U.S. has reported over 11 million COVID-19 cases and recently reported nearly 250,000 deaths from the virus.