Tulsa hospitals preparing for possible spike in COVID-19 hospitalizations
TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — Mayor G.T. Bynum said Oklahoma has hit the peak number of hospitalization cases in the state, but those numbers are starting to rise again.
With the possibility of hundreds of thousands of people coming to Tulsa this weekend, the health care system is preparing for the worst.
Dr. Jeff Johnson with Hillcrest Medical Center said a medical team meets daily to discuss the state's COVID-19 numbers, the PPE available, and making sure there are enough staff and rooms.
"Right now, we have several patients at the ICU here, but we have plenty of capacity available and plans in place if those numbers continue to increase," said Johnson.
Johnson said his team is ready for anything.
On Tuesday, Oklahoma's cases rose by 288, the highest daily increase since the pandemic began.
All eyes are now on President Donald Trump's rally, which could not only spark a rise in cases but also hospitalizations.
"As an emergency physician, we train for this sort of thing. It's part of what we do. It's been a unique challenge for us, getting ready for patients coming. People are getting really creative," said Johnson.
Johnson said it's still best for everyone to continue to social distance, wash your hands, and wear a mask to help lighten the load for our health care workers.
