And while we may have enough tests, do we have enough beds? Research is showing that the Omicron variant may be even more contagious than the Delta - and that normal masks aren't going to protect you as much. But while we've seen a steep increase in new cases, the hospitalizations have been relatively low - so far. We asked the KHMH CEO about her observations.
Chandra Cansino, CEO, KHMH
"Well I can speak certainly for KHMH, and indeed we're seeing a significant decrease in the number of hospitalizations, we're seeing a significant decrease in the number of severe cases and a significant decrease in the number of deaths. So the statistics are correct, we're seeing a decrease in all of the above."
"We have been preparing since we started to see a decrease in numbers, the COVID unit has been preparing with maintenance, the staff has been getting updated with the protocols for management, the physicians are providing the support to the staff, etc. so for our purposes we see an increase in numbers first and then we see an increase in hospitalizations two to three weeks later and then comes the deaths. Omicron is said to be a milder variant so we have yet to see what the result of that will be but it is nothing to be taken lightly, the deaths are increasing across the globe for this strain of the variant s o it's something that we all need to be very much aware of going into the New Year's Eve."
"Fortunately or unfortunately, it's difficult to keep up with the research because the variant is moving so quickly and so yes it's moving so quickly and the research is lagging behind. Research is based on what we experience and so far, remember this is only identified in December, so far it has been mostly milder symptoms, but we don't know what the long term effects will be, unfortunately we have to wait on the research for that so at this time it's not recommended to take any chances whatsoever."
And we noticed in last night's numbers that most of the hospitalizations were fully vaxxed so we asked Cansino about that too. She said that at the KHMH, it's the opposite.
Chandra Cansino, CEO, KHMH
"Those numbers reflect hospitalizations across the country, and including Karl Heusner. For us over the past, let's say the 10 to 12 days, I would say 90% of our hospitalizations have been unvaccinated or first dose. Today we currently have 11 patients in the COVID unit, of which 5 of them are positive for COVID and the rest of them are under investigation."
Reporter
"How many of them are vaccinated?"
Chandra Cansino, CEO, KHMH
"Of those five, only one is vaccinated."
