Two hospitals weather Ida in the midst of COVID-19 Crisis

by

Desare Frazier

• Published on September 1, 2021 • Last modified on August 31, 2021 • Comments

Merit Health Wesley Hospital thanking its staff during coronavirus pandemic, May 2020.
Merit Health Wesley Facebook

In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, Mississippi hospitals fared well in treating patients despite the threat of Hurricane Ida, which weakened to a tropical storm as it passed through the state. But Ida could pose another problem, more COVID-19 cases.

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Dr. John Gaudet with Merit Health Wesley Hospital in Hattiesburg, says they dodged a bullet because Hurricane Ida didn’t cause as much damage as it could have. He says they were proactive in ensuring their patients had what they needed.

“Leading up to the hurricane we really tried to make sure everyone had refills on their medications or let’s say their insulin or that they had the supplies that they needed. You’ve got to be ready not being able to travel, drive, be without power,” said Gaudet.

Gaudet also says he’s concerned Ida could lead to increased cases of COVID-19 because some people evacuated and stayed with family and friends.

“That combined with the Delta virus is really a recipe for rampant transmission of the Delta variant of COVID,” said Gaudet.

Hospitals continue to operate at or near capacity with 1,533 COVID admissions as of Monday. In Gulfport, Select Specialty Hospital takes patients who need more care after they’ve recovered from the acute symptoms of the coronavirus. CEO John O’keefe says they weren’t endangered by Hurricane Ida. He’s focused on reducing new COVID-19 infections.

“The vaccination is really our best proactive defense against the spread of the infection and that’s what I’ve been promoting all along,” said O’Keefe.

COVID-19 cases remain at crisis levels in Mississippi with the health department reporting nearly 20,000 new cases between August 24 and 30, with 251 deaths.