We have heard of the spikes in new case infections of this novel coronavirus. This has occurred in El Paso, and across the country, in general. So, how has this impacted the hospitals in North Central Texas? I found out through the Texas Department of State Health Services website.
As of November 17, 2020, less than 11% of staffed hospital beds were available in North Central Texas, compared to 20% on July 20, 2020, when the new case infections were spiking as they are now.
On November 17, 2020, there were 126 available ICU beds, compared to 333 on July 20, 2020. Along this vein, on November 17, 2020, there were 1961 available ventilators, compared to 1221 available ventilators on July 20, 2020. So, while the number of available ICU hospital beds is 40% of what it was in the summer, the number of available ventilators is up over 160% of what it was in the summer.
On November 17, 2020, there were 2238 COVID-19 patients in North Central Texas hospitals, compared to 1910 COVID-19 patients on July 20, 2020. On November 17, 2020, less than 17% of those hospitalized had COVID-19 infection.
With all this, the North Central Texas hospital region is not currently overrun. However, it does seem the hospital region is closer to being at full capacity. Clearly, we have got to continue our mitigation procedures.
This problem is not the result of national, state, or local leaders. The problem is us. We are the ones who decide what we will do, and we have been advised of what we are to do, for many months. We have got to do our part for this public health problem.
Please wear masks when social distancing is more difficult over time, wash your hands many times daily, do not touch your face, stay home if you are sick, and self-quarantine if you have had significant contact with someone who is suspected of or who has tested positive to the virus.
May we rely on our sources for hope and strength; facts, logic, and faith.
