ECRMC sees surge in coronavirus cases

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY)-Officials at the El Centro Regional Medical Center (ECRMC) say they're seeing a surge in the number of coronavirus cases.

“We’re now at 24% positive. We’re seeing a rise in the number,” said Dr. Adolphe Edward, ECRMC CEO. 

“We’re actually seeing sicker patients coming through and that’s problematic,” said Edward. 

Edward says the hospital saw a spike in their numbers following Easter festivities. He said they saw many families getting together to celebrate, which is not recommended at this time. 

 “We need to stay more vigilant, stay at home and wait for authorities to give us a hint of when things are slowing down,” said Edward. 

Imperial County has seen a spike in numbers.

As of Tuesday morning, a total of 175 positive cases have been confirmed.

The county also confirmed its fourth death due to coronavirus Monday evening.  

ECRMC said numbers at the hospital are constantly changing. 

“Currently we have anywhere from 12 to 14 patients and it changes. We see about one to five every day in the emergency department. There is a total today of seven ventilators that are being used by COVID patients. We still have 26 ventilators, but the usage goes up and down,” said Edward. 

Despite the increase in cases, Edward said the hospital is doing well with supplies and patient capacity. 

He said the hospital has received many charitable donations and are pulling resources from every direction possible. 

“We need supplies not just for the next two weeks, but the coming months as well,” said Edward.