IRVING, TX – “As I stated earlier this week, we currently have adequate hospital capacity and ventilators for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. However, we are very concerned about the capacity 2-3 weeks from now, especially with activities surrounding the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Based on multiple predictive models, we are worried about increased positive testing, hospitalizations and spikes in the community spread of COVID-19. The doubling rate continues to increase and is now approaching 16-17 days, which indicates increased COVID-19 community spread. If this trend continues, we will have to implement surge plans in the hospitals of North Texas within 2-3 weeks.

We need to slow the COVID-19 spread now in order to maintain adequate hospital capacity. There are plans to increase the capacity at our hospitals by utilizing surge strategies on our hospital campuses. Surge situations involve more than bed capacity. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and workforce factor into the surge equation for effective patient treatment.

Everyone needs to do their part to slow the spread because it is crucial for us to preserve our workforce – our healthcare heroes – who have been treating COVID-19 patients with compassionate care for over three months. Our hospital CEO’s are monitoring this serious situation hourly.

We thank Governor Greg Abbott for his actions on Friday, especially related to wearing masks. The erroneous belief that refusing to wear a mask makes you appear cavalier is both irresponsible and a denial of evidence based on medical science.

We are all in this together and we need to display respect for our fellow Texans by wearing masks in public, practicing physical distancing, washing our hands frequently and utilizing good personal hygiene.

This situation is very serious. We need to help slow the spread of COVID-19 to save lives. We can do this if we all participate in a responsible way.”

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IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 3, 2020

CONTACT
Chris Wilson, DFWHC
chrisw@dfwhc.org
(972) 719-4900