Press Play with Madeleine Brand
CDC says to cancel Thanksgiving travel plans as hospitals reach capacity nationwide. LA isn’t far behind
LA County reported more than 5,000 new cases on Thursday. That’s the highest single-day number so far in this pandemic. The LA Times says hospitalizations have gone up 70% in the past month alone.
By Madeleine Brand • • 9m ListenLA County reported more than 5,000 new cases on Thursday. That’s the highest single-day number so far in this pandemic. The LA Times says hospitalizations have gone up 70% in the past month alone.
LA County Health Services Director Dr. Christina Ghaly and other officials say another shutdown could be imminent, and they’re urging people to cancel holiday plans. The CDC echoed that recommendation nationally today.
But COVID fatigue has set in, and some people still may be willing to overlook public health guidelines as cases surge. So what would that do to hospital capacity?
“Space turns out not to be the big problem. It’s staff. We can put hospital beds in parking lots. Who’s going to take care of them?” says Dr. Brad Spellberg, Chief Medical Officer at the LA County + USC Medical Center.
