News

Actions

Local hospital officials explain dramatic surge in COVID-19 patients

Posted at 1:30 PM, Jul 28, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-28 17:08:32-04

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. - "We have seen a dramatic resurgence of the virus," said Senator Mark Warner Tuesday morning.

Warner called on top health care officials in Hampton Roads Tuesday to get an update on what's been going on a the front lines. The answer echoed among four area hospitals: dramatic surge in cases.

Representatives from Sentara, Bon Secours, Riverside and Chesapeake Regional all reported anywhere from 50-300 patients in their hospitals with COVID-19. Many of which are in intensive care and on a ventilator.

Another issue discussed was doctors and nurses fighting the virus themselves in the area hospitals.

"We have more than 150 nurses out due to quarantine so that compounds the staffing issue," said a Sentara representative.

All hospitals said the demand for COVID testing outweighs the capacity.

"It is 10 to 11 days for a turn around time," said one hospital official from Riverside.

Emergency rooms seem to be OK right now with the amount of personal protection equipment according to these medical professionals, but many remain concerned with flu season and hurricane season that it could become compromised.

Senator Warner encouraged continued mask wearing and social distancing to stop the spread.

Click here for full coronavirus coverage.