Five US States Hit by Delta Have Less Than 10% ICU Capacity Left

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] In five U.S. states where the Delta variant virus is rampant due to low vaccination rates, intensive care units (ICUs) have less than 10% capacity remaining.

CNN reported on the 31st (local time), citing U.S. government data, that "ICU beds in Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Florida, and Arkansas are almost fully occupied."

A hospital official in Georgia said, "Since the COVID-19 outbreak, the emergency room and urgent care center have had the highest number of patients," adding, "The hospital is practically full. Additional space will be created in hallways and conference rooms."

The situation in other states is also serious. In Idaho, only 4 out of 400 ICU beds statewide are available. In Mississippi, only 9 beds remain.

Currently in the U.S., the hospitalization rate for unvaccinated individuals is more than 16 times higher than that of vaccinated individuals. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, where 58 out of 96 hospitals are experiencing staff shortages, stated, "There are no beds left, so COVID-19 patients are being treated in their cars."

As the number of hospitalized patients increases, deaths are also rising. The Central Florida Health Alliance in Florida announced, "We have purchased 14 mobile morgues to respond to an unprecedented number of COVID-19 deaths in the region."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.