SEATTLE – A growing number of COVID has led UW Medicine to postpone elective surgeries.
A spokesperson for UW Medicine told FOX thirteen that they had about 65 COVID-19 patients in 4 hospitals.
In a letter to patients, Lisa Brandenburg wrote, “Our physicians and task forces are reviewing the case and will only reschedule those that can be safely postponed to a later date. “
Currently, telehealth visits are recommended than in-person appointments, especially for those suffering from COVID-19 symptoms, including: cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, gastrointestinal symptoms, headache, or runny nose.
The news comes as UW Medicine prioritizes testing sites for others with symptoms or known exposure to COVID-19.
Over the past week, verification sites have been criticized due to the backlog of verification calls due to vacation meetings and site closures in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties due to winter weather conditions. The adjustment is complicated to unload due to national shortages.
Despite the tightening of appointments, positive rates have skyrocketed.
Dr. Geoffrey Bair, president of the UW School of Medicine’s Laboratory of Medicine and Pathology, told FOX thirteen that one Auburn recently recorded a 49% positivity rate.
“Which is astronomically superior compared to where we’ve been between pushes. We have noticed sites in Seattle that are 5-10% positive. And at past peaks, we’ve noticed positive rates of 20-25%. “Baird said.
As for UW Medicine, visits are limited to decreasing the threat of transmitting COVID-19. Effective January 3, 2022, patients will be entitled to a guest during designated visiting hours. Visitors will need to show evidence of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 check within 3 days of the visit. They will also need to wear a medical-grade mask at all times.
RELATED: Seattle Public Schools Cancel First Day of School in 2022 to Offer COVID-19 Testing
READ MORE: Visitation restrictions at hospitals in Olympia, Centralia
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