SVMHS President shares concerns about rising number of COVID-19 cases locally

SALINAS, Calif. (KION) Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital President and CEO Pete Delgado released a video Thursday sharing his concerns about the rising number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Monterey County.

Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital reports 33 new positive tests in the past 24 hours, and hospital officials said there are 15 COVID-19 patients in the hospitalized right now.

“These numbers are concerning,” Delgado said. “We need to be vigilant to stop the virus from spreading. I am concerned that many people simply are not following the guidelines for masking and social distancing as seriously as they should be.”

As of Thursday, Monterey County reports a total of 1,748 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 15 deaths. It was also added to the State's COVID-19 watch list due to an increase in disease transmission.

SVMHS said it is working with the county health department and other hospitals to share a united message of concern while encouraging people to wear face coverings, wash their hands and practice physical distancing.