COVID-19 Update December 15, 2022

Arizona hospitals are buckling under the pressure of three coinciding surges in airborne illnesses COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This “tripledemic” is elevating the need to raise vaccination rates for both COVID and the flu, as vaccinations in key areas remain low.

While lower than last week, there were 11,550 new COVID-19 cases with 107 new known deaths over the past week, AZCentral reports. Fourteen counties, including Maricopa, are experiencing high community transmission levels per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance. Mohave County is the only county designated “medium.”

Public health officials are warning that time is running out for Americans to receive updated booster shots in order to decrease pressure on hospitals, but nearly 30,000 people currently in the hospital have tested positive for COVID-19 across the country, up 30% since Thanksgiving according to Politico. Arizona, New Mexico and New York represent the highest transmission and hospitalization rates at this time.

Green Valley News reports that the 18-bed Northwest Medical Center Sahuarita has already experienced a sudden influx in caseloads keeping healthcare workers “extremely busy.” From Northwest Medical spokeswoman Veronica Apodaca:

Capacity fluctuates hourly, and while there have been times when our hospital has been near or at capacity, we continue to encourage patients to seek healthcare when needed… While Northwest Medical Center Sahuarita is busy, we are still able to care for the community.

LISTEN: “Yuma Regional Medical Center not immune to ‘tripledemic.’ An interview with Deb Alders, Chief Nursing Officer at Yuma Regional Medical Center on the “tripledemic” by KAWC.

According to KTAR, much of the increase in hospitalizations is driven by older people and individuals with preexisting health concerns. Senior advocacy groups, nursing home leaders and public health institutions are calling on the White House for help with an “all hands on deck” approach to getting nursing home residents and staff up to date on vaccination. From LeadingAge president Katie Smith Sloan:

We need to change our messaging to be accurate about what it does, which is prevent serious illness and hospitalization and health This virus is insidious, and it just keeps popping up everywhere, We need to be real about that.

Officials with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) said that the number of nursing home residents up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines is “far too low.” Skilled Nursing News reports that the agency is paying “very close attention” to numbers from the CDC. CMS officials reiterated that vaccination and timely treatment of COVID-19 will be a top priority for the Biden administration as the winter surge sets in and officials have directed providers to the twelve Quality Improvement Organizations across the country that can assist communities with getting up to date on vaccination.