Nearly every Minnesota ICU Bed currently in use amid COVID surge

[WCCO-TV News, November 15, 2021] As COVID-19 cases surge in Minnesota, hospitals are stretched thin for patients needing immediate care. Nearly every ICU bed in the state is currently in use. On Monday, 1,125 ICU beds were in use of the 1,158 capacity.

Itasca County Public Health posted a letter on Facebook warning of a serious strain on area hospitals.

ER wait times have been particularly impacted during this surge. Health officials from multiple hospitals say if you do find yourself in a situation where you need medical care, you should go to the ER only if it’s urgent.

Allina Health has had to delay some elective surgeries.

“In order to serve our communities we’re really trying to adjust on the fly to make sure we have access for those that really need it right now,” Dr. Monte Johnson, vice president for medical affairs at St. Francis Regional Medical Center, said.