Leaders from the four largest hospital systems in Houston say they are ready to handle a surge in coronavirus patients if it happens.
The heads of Houston Methodist, Memorial Hermann Health System, St. Luke’s Health and Texas Children’s Hospital are reassuring Houstonians after a recent surge in local COVID-19 cases. The Texas Medical Center says 97 percent of area ICU beds are occupied. However, Doctor Marc Boom, CEO of Houston Methodist, says that percentage doesn't tell the whole story.
“We’re concerned that there is a level of alarm in the community that is unwarranted right now, because we do have the capacity to care for many more patients and have lots of fluidity and ability to manage,” Boom said.
Hospital officials are asking you to do everything you can to help flatten the current curve again by wearing a face mask and practicing social distancing. This comes as the Texas Governor issues an executive order suspending elective surgeries in hospitals in major metropolitan areas like Harris County.