Hospitalizations for COVID-19 in Maine reached another record high Friday, with 164 people in hospitals across the state. The surge has prompted MaineHealth's hospitals, including Maine Medical Center, to scale back elective surgeries starting Monday.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Joan Boomsma says the focus is on surgeries that can safely be delayed and require inpatient beds.
“Starting on Monday, we’re going to postpone enough surgery to free up about 18 additional beds,” she says.
Boomsma says that will also allow staff to be redeployed to support the growing number of COVID-19 patients. Maine Medical Center currently has about 40 such patients.
A month ago, there were 30 COVID-19 patients hospitalized statewide.
