The number of hospitalizations due to the novel coronavirus continue to rise in Sioux City. Siouxland District Health reported a total of 91 patients with 65 patients battling COVID-19 alone on November 13, 2020. The two facilities are four patients away from the level experienced in late May.
Siouxland Public Media reached out to both UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s and MercyOne for comment on increases this week.
MercyOne orginally sent out the same statement released on November 2nd when there were 9% fewer patients.
A spokesperson for MercyOne sent out an additional statement on November 13, 2020.
“We're really encouraging folks to honor our health care workers by wearing a mask and avoiding large gatherings. They are dedicated to being there for our community, so this is a simple thing we can all do to show them support.”
UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s released an updated response on November 12 and reiterated, “it’s crucial for the public to understand that the challenges they are facing are very real and urgent."
“We are at a critical point in our community’s fight against COVID-19. While many in our community are wearing masks while out in public, it’s extremely important not to let your guard down while at private gatherings of family and friends as this has become a significant concern as the holidays approach. It is going to take everyone one of us doing our part to get this virus under control.”
Both hospitals advocate for flu shots as we head into the influenza season.
UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s and MercyOne say they do have the resources to provide care for all patients. However, they do not disclose how many are being cared for at each facility.
In an interview with Siouxland Public News almost a month ago, the President and CEO of UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s said a patient level of 45 would be tough to manage. However, he did say patients during the second wave that started after the middle of August weren’t as critical than in the spring when more required ventilators.
Statement from UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s on November 12, 2020
"It’s crucial for the public to understand that the challenges we are facing are very real and urgent. We continue to work closely with our community partners to ensure we have the necessary beds, equipment, staffing and PPE to safely care for our Siouxland community, whether it is COVID-19 or other illness or injury. We have plans in place should there be a need to support additional coronavirus care here at UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s beyond what we are currently doing.
We’re at a critical point in our community’s fight against COVID-19. While many in our community are wearing masks while out in public, it’s extremely important to not let your guard down while at private gatherings of friends and family, as this has become a significant concern as the holidays approach. It is going to take every one of us doing our part to get this virus under control. Please protect your family, your community, and your local health care workers by wearing a mask, washing your hands, staying home when you are sick, practicing social distancing and getting your flu shot. If we work together, we can reduce the COVID positivity numbers.”
Statement from MercyOne on November 12, 2020
While we are experiencing a resurgence of COVID-19 cases across Iowa, MercyOne medical centers are actively working to ensure we remain prepared to provide safe care for all patients in need, whether it is COVID-19, or other illness or injury. Like many hospitals in Iowa, our medical centers are experiencing increases in the need for coronavirus care.
MercyOne medical centers presently have the necessary resources to manage these increases. We continue to work closely with our public health partners to meet the needs of our community and have plans in place should there be a need for additional coronavirus care.
We ask all Iowans to help our health care teams in slowing the spread of the virus by wearing a mask, avoiding large gatherings, maintaining social distancing and performing frequent hand washing. If you haven’t already, everyone six months of age and older should get a flu shot to help maintain your health.
