The number of COVID-19 patients in NSW hospitals has more than doubled since Christmas as experts predict case numbers could reach 100,000 a day
and medical professionals warn of a “widespread staffing crisis”.
“In four days time that is about 40,000 cases, and four days after that 80,000 cases, so you can see how easily it can reach 100,000 cases,” he said. However, with Omicron circulating primarily among the young and a known lag between when people test positive and fall sick, Kirby Institute epidemiologist John Kaldor says it was too early to confidently say how big the surge in Australian hospitalisations might be.“Even though the COVID patients are not as sick as they were with Delta and there are less in ICU, they’re still taking up beds, they still need nurses to look after them.
He expected fresh restrictions on elective surgery following the Christmas break to free up space for COVID-19 cases. If the workers develop any symptoms of COVID-19 they are required to seek a PCR test and not attend their workplace until a negative result is received. The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association said there was a “widespread staffing crisis” in the state’s hospitals, with one major Sydney hospital asking for patients to be discharged as soon as possible. In another hospital, just three midwives were on hand to support 14 women in labour.
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