Health care systems are keeping a close watch on the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania.UPMC doctors answered questions Wednesday about the spike in cases and hospitalizations.Doctors said community spread is everywhere. The coronavirus has moved from large population centers into more rural areas.Doctors also talked about what prompted the surge.”We believe that many factors triggered this increase. That includes masking compliance opportunities, cooler weather and more close gatherings, especially indoors in either small numbers or larger numbers. There’s no one cause or one pattern emerging beyond human contact and impaired protection,” Dr. Don Yealy said.UPMC said its hospital system is not overwhelmed and there is plenty of personal protective equipment.Doctors said they know a lot more about the virus, and there are more treatments available.”Our mortality rates, our ICU admissions and ventilation rates have dropped by 50% since the spring,” Dr. Rachel Sackrowitz said.Despite an increase in cases among young people, doctors said, it is still the elderly population that is most at risk for the most severe COVID-19 symptoms. Doctors urged people to follow mitigation guidelines.
Health care systems are keeping a close watch on the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania.
UPMC doctors answered questions Wednesday about the spike in cases and hospitalizations.
Doctors said community spread is everywhere. The coronavirus has moved from large population centers into more rural areas.
Doctors also talked about what prompted the surge.
“We believe that many factors triggered this increase. That includes masking compliance opportunities, cooler weather and more close gatherings, especially indoors in either small numbers or larger numbers. There’s no one cause or one pattern emerging beyond human contact and impaired protection,” Dr. Don Yealy said.
UPMC said its hospital system is not overwhelmed and there is plenty of personal protective equipment.
Doctors said they know a lot more about the virus, and there are more treatments available.
“Our mortality rates, our ICU admissions and ventilation rates have dropped by 50% since the spring,” Dr. Rachel Sackrowitz said.
Despite an increase in cases among young people, doctors said, it is still the elderly population that is most at risk for the most severe COVID-19 symptoms.
Doctors urged people to follow mitigation guidelines.