Hunter
11/17/20
The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics took in over 90 additional COVID-19 patients over a 24-hour period ending Monday afternoon, the highest since the coronavirus pandemic began.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Theresa Brennan appeared on a Facebook Live event Monday, and reported that the hospital has entered the first phase of its surge plan and are readying their second phase plans so that they’re able to handle the increased volume of patients.
Ten more ICU beds were added as part of the first phase.
Dr. Brennan also said that the UIHC has reduced their number of elective surgeries, even ahead of the proclamation by Governor Kim Reynolds that went into effect at midnight. But she warns that as new coronavirus admissions continue to surge, the hospital may have to turn away surgeries considered essential as well.
Brennan noted that patients still need to consult their health care providers before deciding to delay routine care.
Both New York Times and Washington Post databases show Iowa as the third-worst state in the country in number of cases per 100,000, only behind the Dakotas.
