Nearly eight months in, the COVID-19 pandemic is still looking grim: Nationwide, the virus has killed more than 230,000 people, and this week, for the first time, more than 100,000 cases were reported in a single day. Twice.
Although California has so far avoided the surge afflicting other parts of the country, we wanted to know: Are hospitals here ready for a second surge? How are they preparing? For this week’s COVID-19 update, we learn how local hospital systems are grappling with the possibility of a second surge, featuring excerpts from conversations with Teri Bogges, director of infection prevention with Adventist Health Central Valley, and Thomas Utecht, chief medical officer of Community Medical Centers.
Meanwhile, here’s a snapshot for Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, and Tulare Counties (note that some numbers may have changed between the interview and publication):
As of Nov. 5:
- 1,504 deaths out of 109,676 cases
- 265 people hospitalized and 64 in ICUs
- In the last week, 30 people succumbed to the disease
- Average cases reported daily in the last week: 412
For comparison, as of Oct. 29:
- 1,474 deaths out of 106,790 cases
- 242 people hospitalized and 62 in ICUs
- In the last week, 23 people succumbed to the disease
- Average cases reported daily in the last week: 322
You can always find up-to-date information for your county here.
