An influx of new patients, most of them unvaccinated, means that hospitals have to make more room for the sick where there is no space. In at least five states, there are virtually no intensive care units available.
According to the US Department of Health, there are less than 10 percent available intensive care beds in Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Florida and Arkansas.
These states are also among those where vaccine skepticism is greatest and fewest have been vaccinated.
Carol Burrell, director of a hospital company in northeastern Georgia, says they received 287 new corona patients on Monday, more than ever since the worst-case pandemic in January.
– We are looking for free space in corridors and meeting rooms
– In practice, our hospitals are full. We are looking for free space in corridors and meeting rooms in the receptions, she says.
A number of other hospitals in Georgia are referring patients to other hospitals.
In Alabama, health officials announced a record number of new patients on Monday. 880 corona patients were in intensive care units in the state, higher than the record number of 848 in January.
At least 100 Texas hospitals also reported that their intensive care units were full between August 20 and 26, and some of them pitched tents outside to care for new patients.
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