LOUISVILLE, Ky. — As coronavirus cases rise in Kentucky, it comes as no surprise that hospital stays for COVID-19 are also climbing. Kentucky Hospital Association president Nancy Galvagni said our hospitals are preparing for a potential surge, but are in no danger of reaching capacity any time soon.


What You Need To Know

  • Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky is preparing for COVID-19 surge

  • Hospitals are not being overrun, but are taking precautions

  • The onset of flu season and COVID-19 are cause for concern

  • Kentucky Hospital Association says Kentucky will be prepared

 

“We are not being overrun. Hospitals will take all the steps needed to open additional units or to manage the scheduling of the other patients in the hospital. Most of the patients who are in the hospital are not there for COVID-19, “ Galvagni said.

The Kentucky Hospital Association puts out new numbers every Wednesday. The latest data shows 1,438 ICU beds are currently in use in the state, leaving only 275 open. Out of those ICU beds in use, only 14 percent are being occupied by COVID-19 patients. This is an increase as Galvagni said the average had been around 9 to 11. Looking at overall hospital beds, 8,009 are in use right now and 3,854 are open in the state.

Galvagni said hospitals are prepared for anything, especially because case numbers are rising heading into the colder months.

“We are very concerned about what is called the 'twindemic' of having people with flu or high flu cases along with COVID-19. And are the cases going to go up because we are moving indoors? What we are trying to get out is really encouraging people to get a flu shot this year," Galvagni said.

Since cases are expected to rise, all hospitals in the state have COVID-19 surge plans. Galvagni said she does not anticipate needing to build a field hospital, but that option is always on the table if need be.

“Our hospitals are on top of this. Our hospitals have plans. If surges occur, they know how to handle this. If the public can help us by following the CDC requirements, that would be very helpful,” Galvagni said.

Health officials warn this virus isn't going away anytime soon. Galvagni urges everyone to do their part by wearing masks, social distancing, and getting flu shots.