Monterey County hospital closes half of its COVID-19 units as hospitalizations drop
SALINAS, Calif. (KION) Hospitalizations in Monterey County have decreased from as many as 230 hospitalized county-wide per day to about 120, and that has led to changes at a local hospital.
The Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System said its hospital was able to close half of its four COVID-19 units this week as a result.
Although it is a hopeful sign, health care workers are issuing a warning as more sectors of the economy begin to reopen, They say the change is something to be celebrated, but people should still avoid gatherings. The warning comes days before Super Bowl Sunday.
Carla Spencer, COVID-19 Operations Chief at Salinas Memorial Hospital says that number of daily cases has improved significantly.
"The Super Bowl is upon us and while we all know that it's a fun day and watching the big game and getting together with friends. We don't want t o let go of our vigilance because what we don't want is for this to surge again," says Spencer.
According to data released by the Monterey County Health Department, about 57% of cases are linked to a confirmed case, meaning the person got the virus from contact with someone who had it. It does not include community spread.
Spencer says that number of daily cases has improved significantly.
"We were admitting anywhere from 10 to 18 patients a day during the surge, and now we're roughly about 3 to 6 patients a day, so again, really good news for the hospital."
Some residents choose to stay inside to celebrate the Super Bowl festivities. A stark difference from that way the weekend was celebrated a year ago.
"It's no joke, my sister is a doctor and she said that people just don't take it seriously. And she said they would if we watched somebody gasping for their last breath. i take it seriously. I'm not ready to go," says Terry Morris, resident of Salinas.
There have been a total of more than 40,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Monterey County since the pandemic began and as of Friday, 114 people are hospitalized. More than 39,000 people have been released from isolation. 288 deaths have been reported.
The hospital urges people not to gather for the Super Bowl weekend but says that if people do decide to join others for the game, it's important to stay socially distanced, wear a mask, and stay outdoors.
