CLEVELAND — As national and local officials continue their efforts to navigate the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, local health care systems are struggling.
As the United States approaches one million deaths related to COVID-19, local health care systems are again seeing another surge in patients.
On Tuesday, the Cleveland Clinic announced on Twitter that is nearing hospital bed capacity. According to the hospital, the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients is among the highest since the pandemic started.
The Clinic says the vast majority are unvaccinated.
"They are fathers. Mothers. Sisters. Sons. Neighbors. Care in our hospitals is safe, but we're near capacity. Please help us. Get vaccinated," the tweet from the Cleveland Clinic read.
The Cleveland Clinic isn't alone in facing these obstacles, University Hospitals is also seeing its operations be impacted due to the surge in covid patients.
"We are seeing one of the highest volumes since the pandemic started two years ago," Dr. Oluwatosin Goje .
Patients in the emergency room are also seeing increased wait times since the pandemic first began.
According to Dr. Amy Edward with University Hospitals, the low vaccination rate is among one of our biggest obstacles.
"Look, this isn't going to stop; you need to get your vaccine," Dr. Edwards urged. "If everyone over the age of 5 would be vaccinated in the state of Ohio, we would be done.”
But the according to Dr. Goje, the vast amount of misinformation being spread is also adding to the problem.
"It’s because of the misinformation, the whole country has to debunk the myth and misinformation."
And with the holidays upon us, officials say they do not foresee the situation getting any better any time soon. Health officials reiterate that getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the disease.
*Editor's Note: The video in the player above is from a previous report.