State Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine explained in a press event last week what measures are being taken by hospitals to respond to the worsening COVID crisis.

Specifically, she said everyone is working hard to avoid a scenario in which hospitals run out of intensive care beds. Some hospitals are converting regular beds into ICU beds, while others are closing small departments so staff can be re-purposed. These are not ideal decisions, she said, because there are not unlimited beds, staff and personal protective equipment.

Hospitals are stretching resources as they can, but three markers have been set to determine whether a hospital must end all but the most necessary elective surgeries, such as a cardiac bypass or cancer biopsy, and reallocate resources. Some hospitals in the Southwest and Keystone regions already meet the trouble mark for staffing issues, but no hospital will face the most stringent cuts unless two of the three criteria are met.

“It is so important to remember that we all have a role to play in what is happening in the hospitals right now. It has a direct impact on your community and it has a direct impact on other healthcare services you might need that are not related to COVID-19. The people who make the healthcare system work are relying on you to do the right thing. We are blessed with many freedoms in the United States, but since the founding of our republic, freedoms come with responsibility – to our families, to our communities, our state, our nation,” Levine said. “This is why we are asking you over and over again to follow our basic guidelines.”

As of Monday, the state has 394,455 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 11,373 deaths. Lehigh County has 13,455 confirmed and 401 deaths; Northampton County has 10,767 confirmed and 346deaths; the city of Bethlehem has 3,048 confirmed and 85 deaths.