SPRINGFIELD – The number of patients admitted with COVID-19 to Baystate Health facilities continues to rise, with the largest number of people admitted since February 21 with the disease.
Baystate Medical staff is caring for 79 patients with a confirmed COVID-19 as of Sunday, 11 of whom are being treated in critical care units. Last week, there were 61 people with COVID-19 admitted to Baystate facilities, and five in critical care units, officials said.
On February 21, Baystate reported that 85 patients had been admitted with COVID-19. The numbers have since fallen slowly with officials reporting a low of 51 patients on March 21st. The number of patients thereafter began to increase.
The infection rate for COVID-19 has been increasing for several weeks despite a growing number of people being vaccinated. However, the demand for doses still exceeds the demand.
Last week, the cases rose by 20% compared to the previous week, and 44% since a low after the upturn the week of 28 February. There are currently 55 communities across the state that are considered at high risk due to rising infection rates, up from 32 the previous week.
Staff at Baystate Medical Center, in Springfield, currently care for 68 of the patients. There is one at Baystate Wing Hospital in Palmer, six at Baystate Noble in Westfield and four at Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield, officials said.
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