By Beth David, Editor
Massachusetts is preparing to open field hospitals to take care of an influx of COVID-19 patients. Governor Charlie Baker said on Tuesday that Mass. hospitals are preparing to add 400 intensive care beds by switching acute care beds to ICU, to treat COVID patients. Even that will probably not be enough, so the state is planning to add field hospitals if necessary.
The rise in cases comes after a long summer of stringent measures designed to slow the spread of the virus. Since Labor Day, cases are up 300%, and 50% of ICU beds are occupied. On Tuesday, 588 people in Mass. were in the hospital with COVID. On Labor Day that number was 178.
“The trends are obviously going in the wrong direction and show no signs of changing,” said Gov. Baker.
He added, however, that they “learned a lot” about the virus, how to treat it, and what they need to treat people. He said he believes the economy and schools can stay open.
In the spring, because of the surge in cases, hospitals had to restrict other procedures, but he does not anticipate that happening again.
“We’re doing everything in our power to avoid that scenario,” said Gov. Baker.
Gov. Baker said controlling the virus depends on the actions of everybody. He said the residents of Massachusetts have done an “incredible job” but people have “let their guard down.”
“We know folks are tired of this,” said Gov. Baker. “But COVID is merciless and will grow and spread if given a chance.”
He said everyone has to fight it every day, and urged residents to wear a mask, wash hands, and practice social distancing. He also reminded people that the stay-at-home order he announced last week is still in place. People need to be home by 10 p.m., unless on essential errands. Bars and restaurants have to close off seating at 9:30, although take-out services can stay open.
Gov. Baker, a Republican, also ex pressed hope that the new administration of Joe Biden, a Democrat, will be able to “stop the partisanship” and work on fighting the virus.
Joseph “Jody” White, president and CEO of Lowell General Hospital and Circle Health said the state’s hospital system is not overwhelmed because of the governor’s office and residents doing their part.
“We’re all in this together,” said Mr. White, and urged people to do all the little things that officials have been advocating, such as wearing masks and washing hands frequently. He also urged residents to get a flu shot. “These small actions translate to large results.”
Kate Walsh, president and CEO or Boston Medical Center, said BMC treated 1400 COVID patients in the last surge. She said they are “better prepared” to handle this surge.
Ms. Walsh said they have a year’s supply of PPE (personal protective equipment), such as masks, gloves and gowns.
The governor’s press conferences are available on the Governor’s official YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/MassGovernor
According to the state’s website, as of 11/4/20, Fairhaven’s total case count was 319, with 75 in the last 14 days; Acushnet had a total of 208 cases, with 48 in the last 14 days. Both towns were in yellow on the state’s list, which is an improvement from the red last week.
Visit www.mass.gov for more info.
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