Metro's Top 4 Health Systems Address Community In Press Conference

Tuesday morning, Oklahoma health officials pleaded with the public to be understanding and patient as they continue to battle not only rising COVID cases, but also staffing and supply chain shortages.  

"We need your grace and your patience as we try to provide the best possible care under impossible circumstances," said Dr. Julie Watson, Chief Medical Officer of INTEGRIS Health.  

The four top health systems, OU Health, Mercy, Integris and SSM Health, held a virtual press conference, updating the public on COVID. They say they are doing the best they can, but they're reaching their limit. 

Emergency rooms are overflowing, and cases are rising. 

"In the past week, Oklahoma has gone from 47th in the nation for number of cases per day to 13th in the nation," Dale Bratzler Chief COVID Officer of OU Health said. "So, the surge has clearly moved into Oklahoma." 

There are zero ICU beds available across the metro, and over a hundred patients are waiting for an open bed. 

And just like our teachers and airlines crews, our health officials say they are also experiencing staffing shortages. 

"We estimate that over a thousand coworkers are unable to come to work," Dr. Watson said. "This is due to quarantining or lack of childcare."  

Cameron Mantor Chief Medical Officer at OU Children's hospital also says there's been a rise in pediatric cases, with 42 covid patients currently at the hospital. 

"That's two or three times higher than we've seen," Mantor said. "We're seeing many more kids test positive, and about 6 or 7 in the ICU."  

Officials added that they are dealing with supply shortages for syringes due to global supply issues, but thankfully not PPE shortages. 

Health officials stressed the importance of getting vaccinated and your booster shot at this time. 

And if you need to get a test, you can click here to find COVID testing sites. 

You can stream the full virtual press conference here