Updated Hospital Patient and Capacity Utilization Data

COVID-19 cases continue to climb in Evanston driven in part by higher testing levels.  The number of new cases, averaged over a 7-day period, increased to 12 on Friday, May 8 from 10, ten days ago.  The percent positive testing rate, averaged over a 7-day period remains in the 15% to 19% range.

Despite the continued rise in new cases, local area hospitals appear to be managing well and are prepared to care for additional patients. 

COVID-19 confirmed patients increased sharply in the last two weeks at NorthShore University HealthSystem’s Evanston and Glenbrook hospitals but fell fell at AMITA Health Saint Francis Evanston Hospital. 

Utilization of ICU beds and ventilators remain well below total capacity at the three hospitals.

The hospitals started in late January and February to plan for expected increases in COVID-19 patients.  ICU bed capacity increased significantly to 86 from 45 at Evanston and Glenbrook hospitals, and to 34 from 16 at Saint Francis Evanston Hospital. 

Note: Data for NorthShore University Health System for April 10, April 24 and May 8 in the accompanying charts are a mid-point of a range over the last 48 hours.