Health care workers feel squeezed by surge of COVID-19 cases
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
Hospitalizations for COVID-19 patients in Minnesota are surging.
The current rate is about 27 hospitalizations per 100,000 residents. For perspective, the state considers a hospitalization rate of 8 per 100,000 residents high risk — our current weekly average is roughly three times higher.
The increase is happening across the state, including in rural areas.
Smaller hospitals are having a hard time absorbing the influx of patients, but many larger hospitals that can offer more specialized care are also running out of space. Even when beds are available, staffing them is a challenge as more health care workers get sick.
Support Local News
When breaking news happens, MPR News provides the context you need. Help us meet the significant demands of these newsgathering efforts.
Earlier this week, Gov. Tim Walz told reporters the Upper Midwest is facing the “darkest part of this pandemic,” and on Wednesday, he announced new restrictions to slow the spread.
Thursday at 9 a.m, MPR News host Kerri Miller spoke with two physicians about the stress this surge is putting on health care workers.
Guests:
Dr. Deb Dittberner is Chief Medical Officer and family physician for the Alomere Health System.
Dr. David Hilden is vice president of medical affairs at Hennepin Healthcare.
To listen to the full conversation you can use the audio player above.
Subscribe to the MPR News with Kerri Miller podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.