Coronavirus update graphic.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Medical directors from Sioux Falls two major health systems Thursday say that the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has pushed aside the other variants.
Avera Health and Sanford Health chief doctors David Basel and Mike Wilde gave an update on the impact the coronavirus is having on the community, their facilities, and their staffs.
The medical directors say the good news is the symptoms are milder with Omicron.
However, the bad news is that hospitalizations are increasing because of surging cases from the variant.
Avera’s Dr. Basel says the Avera system went from 100 hospitalized COVID patients on January 1st to 200 Thursday.
They say this not only has an impact on treating COVID patients, but also on those who come in with traumas, heart attacks and strokes, and other medical problems.
The health systems say they closely analyze if a patient needs surgery, particularly if it entails an overnight stay.
Both physicians say their hospitals are also dealing with sick employees, with the remaining workers dealing with a large increase in tests to process and patients to care for.
The doctors stressed that the best way to prevent getting sick or to reduce the symptoms if you do get sick is to get vaccinated and boosted.
They also say stay home from work if you feel sick.
