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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – As COVID-19 cases in Oklahoma rise to alarming numbers, a brand new projection reveals the worst should still be forward of us.
The projection from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation reveals our state’s day by day cases could peak Jan. 19 at 80,000 cases per day, together with those that aren’t examined.
Right now, it’s possible you realize a minimum of one particular person with COVID-19 or somebody who has been impacted.
“That’s kind of an unscientific way to say it’s really bad right now, when so many friends are telling you, ‘Hey, I’ve got COVID,’” stated Dr. George Monks, with the Oklahoma State Medical Association.
“I think we’re in for a rough 2-3 weeks,” stated OU’s Chief COVID Officer Dr. Dale Bratzler.
Two of Oklahoma’s high docs are following the science and the numbers, notably a brand new projection from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.
It present our state’s day by day cases could peak Jan. 19 at 80,000 cases per day, each examined and untested, reported and never.
“We had 10,000 cases on Saturday and my bet is there were around 30,000 in the state that were probably positive at that time so the big numbers don’t surprise me too much,” Bratzler stated.
Doctors are involved as a result of that possible means extra Oklahomans will probably be hospitalized, probably doubling our earlier report of practically 2,000, set round this time final yr.
“These new projections show we’ll need 4,440 COVID beds and 1,332 of those would be ICU beds for COVID patients,” stated Monks. “That is a tremendous strain on an already strained hospital system.”
“I think we will see more people in the hospital because even though this virus isn’t as virulent, it’s pretty bad in people who are unvaccinated,” Bratzler stated. “So we will still see people coming in the hospital.”
While omicron is projected to drop shortly after the fast unfold, docs say Oklahoma’s low vaccination price could sluggish that decline.
“Time is running out,” stated Monks. “But if you can at least get one dose or complete your booster dose, that can really help keep you out of the hospital and keep you and your family safe.”
Dr. Bratzler says he believes 3-4 out of each 100 individuals you encounter now are possible contaminated and urges everybody to keep away from crowded indoor areas. Also, use a top quality masks when you must get out.
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