The number of inpatient beds in southeast Iowa is running low, as the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations are increasing due to increased transmission of the Delta variant.

As of Friday, the state coronavirus dashboard shows 100 COVID-19 hospitalized patients in Region 5, which includes Washington and contiguous counties. Thirty-one of those patients are in the Intensive Care Unit, and the percentage of total inpatient beds available is 13.5%.

Jefferson County Public Health Administrator and interim for Washington County Chris Estle points out that Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines has recently suspended all elective surgeries due to a high number of patients, “What we need to pay attention [to] as community members is that means that hospitals are conserving their resources, they’re conserving their beds, and they’re conserving their staff members to take care of acutely ill individuals. So I anticipate we’re going to see more hospitals be forced to make that decision, so they can take care of the very sick individuals that are hospitalized with COVID-19.”

Estle emphasizes this uptick in COVID-19 patients is happening all the while other patients need care for other respiratory illnesses, healthcare emergencies, pregnancies, and so on. Estle encourages residents to do their part in limiting COVID-19 spread by wearing a mask when in close contact with others, washing hands frequently, and staying home when you’re sick. Those 12 and older can also mitigate the spread and prevent serious illness by getting a free vaccine. As of August 19th, 46.7% of Washington County residents are fully vaccinated.