COVID ICU hospitalizations rise across Minnesota

[WCCO-TV News, July 29, 2021] Two weeks ago, there were 19 patients in Minnesota ICU beds. That number has since tripled and health experts fear it will only get worse.

“People are getting sicker faster and they’re needing care quicker than they did with the previous surges we’ve had,” said Helen Strike, President of two local Allina hospitals and part of the state’s Critical Care Coordinating Center that keeps an eye on hospital capacity.

Strike said the group is back to biweekly meetings.

“It’s gotten us thinking again and looking at our plans and making sure we’re ready,” she said.