This past year has been filled with challenges for everyone, and it seems that these challenges are beginning to overwhelm our healthcare system.
With COVID-19 cases in L.A. County exceeding 13,000 per day, emergency rooms are at capacity. Since November 9, 2020, the number of daily hospitalizations has increased by 670%.
These numbers only represent COVID-19 cases. However, as the infection rate continues to rise, there has been a significant impact on individuals suffering from other medical emergencies, including victims of car accidents.
Individuals admitted to the hospital for COVID-19 complications often require a hospital room, and in some cases, an ICU bed. This increased rate of hospitalizations has caused many difficulties for those with other medical emergencies.
Some individuals are experiencing abnormal ambulance pick-up times and longer wait times in the ER. These additional wait times can prove to be devastating for someone facing a medical emergency, such as a heart attack or injury from a car accident.
Covid-19 Statistics for Los Angeles
L.A. County is currently under siege and the daily infections, hospitalizations, and deaths due to COVID-19 are all rising precipitously. Here are some of the challenges L.A. County is currently facing at the beginning of 2021:
15% of all COVID-19 tests in L.A. County are positive.
Daily deaths have increased by 600% since early November.
540 - 600 people test positive for COVID-19 every hour.
Emergency room waits are currently as long as eight hours.
Less than 700 hospital beds remain in the County; 69 are intensive care.
In conjunction with private businesses, public health officials have started delivering vaccine doses to frontline healthcare workers and at-risk populations. While the vaccine distribution is promising, experts warn it won’t stop the current crisis anytime soon.
There is still a lot of work to do until the vaccine makes a difference in hospitalizations, infection rates, and deaths. Until then, the best thing we can do is stay as safe as possible by adhering to the guidelines.
What You Can Do During the COVID-19 Crisis
Unfortunately, some healthcare professionals expect cases to continue to rise. While our healthcare system works to manage the current crisis, you can take steps to help alleviate the stress hospitals are facing by keeping yourself safe.
Unless you are going to work, getting necessities, or handling a medical emergency, it’s in your best interest to:
Stay at home
Wear your mask
Wash your hands often
Adhere to social distancing guidelines
Drive safely and use precautions to avoid accidents while on the road
The Coronavirus pandemic has been tough on the world, our nation, and our county, but we will overcome it. In the meantime, we must do our best to support one another and do what we can to protect ourselves and those around us.
From Steinberg Injury Lawyers, stay safe!
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