WORCESTER, Mass. - A recent influx of COVID-positive patients over the past few days, on top of an already high non-COVID patient volume is putting a strain on UMass Memorial Medical Center's resources, according to hospital leadership.

The hospital says in less than a week, the number of COVID-positive patients jumped from 35 to 54 and say several of the patients are critically ill. Across the UMass Memorial Health system, there are 70 COVID-positive patients. 

UMass lists the three challenges causing a strain on hospital operations as the delta variant-fueled COVID resurgence, the roughly 100 beds closed to patient care at Saint Vincent Hospital due to the ongoing nurses strike and a nationwide labor shortage.

UMass Medical Center currently has over 400 vacant positions at the Medical Center and 600 caregivers who are out of work on paid leave.