Sky Lakes sees record number of COVID-19 patients, opens second isolation unit
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A health care worker tends to a patient’s needs as seen through the secured doors of the newly opened Sky Lakes Medical Center COVID-19 Isolation Unit. (Image courtesy Sky Lakes Medical Center)
“This morning, Sky Lakes had more COVID-19 patients than ever since the pandemic began. And with the large number of new positive test results recently reported, we can expect more COVID-19 patients in the very near future. Sky Lakes will be ready.”
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - Leaders from Sky Lakes Medical Center announced today that the hospital’s COVID-19 isolation unit has reached capacity for the first time and that a second unit has been opened.
Seven patients were in the dedicated third-floor COVID unit early this morning, up from four the day before, and three more patients were admitted before lunchtime.
“This morning, Sky Lakes had more COVID-19 patients than ever since the pandemic began,” said Sky Lakes President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Stewart. “And with the large number of new positive test results recently reported, we can expect more COVID-19 patients in the very near future.
“Sky Lakes will be ready.”
A second isolation unit has been opened on the medical center’s second floor to deal with the increased COVID-19 patient volume. There are special accommodations to allow providers and staff to access the units without entering public space.
The hospital’s announcement comes as the Klamath County Health Department also announces 60 additional cases of COVID-19 today following 75 new cases on Friday.
“Case investigations and contact tracing continues as positive cases come in,” said KCPH Director Jennifer Little. “We anticipate the statewide report will have outbreaks listed for Klamath County tomorrow. However, in the nine months of our experience with COVID-19, many cases result from social and professional contacts. People tend to let their guards down among family, friends, and colleagues.
Little adds, “We have all be asked to make prudent choices this holiday weekend. Our personal actions affect our own health and that of others.”
The inpatient care area remains open to care for non-COVID patients at Sky Lakes Medical Center.
Stewart issued a warning and a plea to the community. “Our ability to care for non-COVID patients relies entirely on having staff and providers available. If they are required to care for an influx of COVID-19 patients, then we have a diminished capacity to take care of other patients.
“Please do all you can to decrease COVID exposure in our community,” added Stewart.
Public health experts advise people to wear a mask whenever they’re in public – indoors and outdoors – to help prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. They also encourage people to avoid gatherings and to observe physical distancing of at least 6 feet.
The record number of COVID patients follows a dramatic increase in the number of positive tests reported locally: 160 new cases last week and dozens more already this week.
“Evidence suggests this surge ties back to at Halloween parties where people were likely not wearing face masks and certainly not observing distancing guidelines,” Stewart said. “With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s especially important to heed the experts’ advice about masks and gatherings.”
On their social media, Sky Lakes also announced today that the Primary Care Clinic remains closed following a sudden increase in the number of positive COVID-19 tests among staff. The clinic was previously closed for extended cleaning related to COVID-19.