LOS ANGELES — California hospitals are battling to find beds to house patients amid fears that the exploding coronavirus infection rate will exhaust resources and health care workers. Nearly 17,000 people were hospitalized with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infections — more than double the previous peak reached in July. One state model estimates that number could reach 75,000 by mid-January. Hospitals around the state are putting patients where they can to free up ICU beds, including using tents for emergency room overflows. Top government infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci says some areas of California are at the cusp of getting overrun.
The California Department of Public Health released more COVID-19 numbers Saturday. More than 43,000 new COVID-19 cases were recorded, according to the state. Nearly 300 more people have died from the virus.
Dr. Peter Beilenson admitted re-opening would be hindered by gatherings over the December holiday season.