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CORONAVIRUS HEALTH & MEDICINE / Modified feb 17, 2022 11:29 a.m.

Arizona hospitals still crowded despite fewer COVID patients

COVID-19 patients still account for about 70% of emergency room usage. by Associated Press

360 ER hospital sign A sign outside of a hospital in Douglas in 2011.
AZPM

Arizona hospitals remain crowded even as COVID-19 patient counts are dropping statewide and while fewer additional confirmed infections and virus-related deaths are reported.

COVID-19 patients occupied only 22% of inpatient beds as of Wednesday, down from a six-month high of 41% on Jan. 27.

However, inpatient beds overall remain nearly full because more non-COVID-19 patients are hospitalized, according to the state Department of Health Services.

Meanwhile, COVID-19 patients still account for about 70% of emergency room usage.

Health officials attribute continued hospital crowding to several factors besides the still large numbers of COIVID-19 patients, many of whom require extended hospital stays.


Credit: Nick O'Gara/AZPM. Sources: The New York Times, based on reports from state and local health agencies, Census Bureau. Case reports do not correspond to day of test.

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