Ghaly said Monday that approximately 50% of the county’s currently staffed beds, and just over two-thirds of staffed ICU beds, are filled by COVID-19 patients. Virtually all hospitals in L.A. County are being forced to divert ambulances with certain types of patients elsewhere because they are too crowded. On Sunday, 94% of the county’s hospitals that take in patients from 911 calls were diverting some patients in ambulances. AdvertisementHospitals are also having problems getting oxygen to critically ill COVID-19 patients who are struggling to breathe. Nevertheless, state officials said Monday they think another holiday-fueled spike is on the horizon.

Source: Los Angeles Times December 28, 2020 20:46 UTC