CLEVELAND — All three of Cleveland’s main hospital systems uniting in the fight again a new coronavirus surge, putting off procedures that are not urgent and could take up bed space.
“We are going to hit the highest number of cases, and it's not going to peak for probably another two to three weeks,” said Dr. Dan Simon, the chief scientific officer and president of academic and external affairs at University Hospitals.
It’s not just COVID patients, but those with other serious illnesses who may have delayed care earlier in the pandemic. And the hospitals know – more are coming.
“We are in a wait-and-see time right now to see what happens in the next four or five days,” said Cleveland Clinic’s Dr. Robert Wyllie, chief of medical operations, who also leads the state’s Zone 1 hospitals.
In just the last few days, Ohio’s daily cases have been hitting levels not seen since January. Even if cases level off, in the next two weeks, expect to see coronavirus hospitalizations up. Medical experts also hope to learn much more about the omicron variant in that time.
If it's anything like delta, it could take over by the first of February.
“When you have a virus that has a replication in transmission advantage, it will take over very rapidly,” said Dr. Simon, saying with delta that happened in six to eight weeks once cases first appeared in Ohio. “So I would say stay tuned.”
Doctors say this isn't the worst they've seen- that was last winter. And there's hope that we won't get there again.
“I don't think it's going to get that high because of the number of people vaccinated in Ohio,” said Dr. Wyllie.
Ohio trails many other states in overall vaccination rate but has been strong in vaccinating those over age 65- about 85 percent fully vaccinated. Half of that population has already been boosted as well.
“If your vaccination is complete and you're boosted and you're masking and distancing, you're doing everything you can. And, and we thank you for that because you're not only protecting yourself and others, but you're helping us in the hospital and our caregivers who are really stressed,” said Simon.
Dr. Amy Ray with MetroHealth says if you're still weighing a COVID vaccine, consider the why.
“I guess now is the time for me to say this out loud. We do not have a magic bullet treatment for COVID-19,” said Dr. Ray. “My job is not to judge you whether or not you've been vaccinated…I want the best for you. It's my duty to offer you the best. And that's the vaccine.”
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