Expect longer wait times at hospitals due to surge in COVID patients - KSLA

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SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - Hospitalizations are rising once again due to COVID-19. This time, Omicron is to blame.

KSLA News 12 checked in with two large hospital systems in northwest Louisiana. Both Ochsner LSU Health and Willis-Knighton Health System report long wait times, especially for COVID-19 and flu testing.

Ochsner LSU Health

• 21 COVID-19 positive patients are hospitalized at the two Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport hospitals
• Four (less than 20%) of those cases are fully vaccinated (two doses)

“The emergency room is experiencing a high volume, which does increase the wait time for most patients,” according to Ochsner LSU Health.

“Ochsner LSU Health urgent care facilities are experiencing record patient volumes due to COVID-19 and flu symptoms and testing demand, which results in a longer-than-usual wait time for patients.”

Willis-Knighton Health System

• 42 hospitalizations with COVID-19
• 20 patients vaccinated, 22 unvaccinated

“The last few days have seen significant increases in wait times due to the large number of people requesting COVID/flu testing,” according to Willis-Knighton. “We encourage the community to contact their primary care provider for assistance in determining the need for testing and the best location for testing to be done.”

CHRISTUS Health Shreveport-Bossier

While CHRISTUS Health Shreveport-Bossier does not provide exact numbers, the health system’s spokesperson sent the following statement to KSLA News 12:

“CHRISTUS Shreveport-Bossier is seeing an increase in COVID-19, like Region 7 and most of the country.

“We are experiencing an increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations and emergency room visits; however, a majority of those visits are patients in need of a COVID-19 test.

“Anyone with a medical emergency or severe COVID-related symptoms is advised to seek treatment through the emergency room.

“To find the nearest location for a COVID-19 testing site, please visit the Louisiana Department of Health website.

“While it is too soon to draw conclusions about the long-term risks and effects of Omicron, this variant appears to be highly transmissible but less likely to cause lower respiratory tract symptoms and severe disease.

“We strongly encourage our communities to protect themselves, their loved ones and their neighbors. Though there is still much to be learned about Omicron and other variants, we do know that the most effective tools against this and all COVID-19 remain the same:

• “Get vaccinated
• “Wear a mask
• “Wash your hands often
• “Practice social distancing
• “Stay home if you are sick”

If you do test positive for the virus, you can monitor your symptoms with Ochsner LSU Health here; you also can schedule a virtual appointment here.

Copyright 2021 KSLA. All rights reserved.

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