The Arizona Department of Health Services reported 5,267 new cases of COVID-19 and 78 additional deaths Dec. 30.
Hospitals have been struggling to keep up with the state’s latest COVID-19 surge as bed capacity is being pushed to the limits.
This week, area hospitals began diverting ambulances to other facilities and turning down transfers from other hospitals.
Regional health groups including Banner, HonorHealth and Valleywise are experiencing these diversions and are working together to best accommodate the needs of Valley residents, but COVID-19 patients are occupying more than half of the beds in Arizona hospitals.
The surge has been blamed on cavalier attitudes during the holiday weekend, and health professionals are bracing for the coming four-day holiday weekend.
Dr. Michael White is the chief clinical officer with Valleywise Health, and he spoke with The Show about what he’s seeing in their medical centers.
