COLUMBUS – While the state reports one of the lowest daily increases in COVID-19 cases since mid-summer, hospitals are expressing some concerns about their ability to keep up with an increasing influx of patients.
According to the Ohio Department of Health, there were 3,681 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in the state Monday, 43% lower than the 21-day average, though the number of new cases reported early in the week often lag behind those reported later.
Hospital admissions lag behind new cases and some hospitals in central Ohio are warning that a rise in the number of patients resulting from a surge infections due to the delta variant has them taking new precautions.
The OSU Wexner Medical Center is limiting visitation for patients to two visitors for the duration of their stay, effective Tuesday, to reduce the risk of exposure to patients, visitors and staff.
Officials at Nationwide Children’s Hospital say pediatric cases of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses are rapidly spreading.
Coupled with staffing shortages, the increase is causing longer wait times at some of the hospital’s facilities.
Hospitals and nursing homes around the country are bracing for worsening staff shortages as state deadlines arrive for health care workers to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
With such rules taking effect this week in states New York, California and Rhode Island, the fear is that some employees will quit or let themselves be fired or suspended rather than get the vaccine.
Boosters available
Columbus Public Health will offer free Pfizer boosters to eligible individuals at a half dozen clinics around the city:
- Columbus Public Health, 240 Parsons Ave.
- Linden Community Center, 1350 Briarwood Ave.
- Columbus Fire Station 10 (Drive Thru), 1096 W. Broad St. *(Starting 10/5)
- Barack Community Center, 580 E. Woodrow Ave.
- Columbus Fire Station 18 (Drive Thru), 1630 Cleveland Ave. *(Starting 10/7)
- Westgate Community Center, 455 S. Westgate Ave.
Eligible residents are encouraged to bring their COVID-19 vaccine card to their booster appointment.
Flu shots and first doses also will be available.
Eligible individuals are those 65 years and older, residents in long-term care settings, those under 65 with certain underlying medical conditions, and those age 18 and older who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of their job or living in an institutional setting.
For more information on COVID-19 vaccines or to find a vaccine location near you, visit Columbus.gov/c19vax or call 614-645-1519.