UPMC to begin testing all patients for coronavirus, even if they’re not showing symptoms

PITTSBURGH — UPMC officials said the hospital system includes 5,500 beds among 40 different hospitals and COVID-19 patients make up just 2 percent of their capacity. The information was given during a Tuesday news conference as the company announced an expanded coronavirus testing program.

UPMC doctors said during the event that their data is showing a slowed rate of infection and that the area is on the opposite side of what was supposed to be the worst period of the pandemic.

Have questions about the spread of the coronavirus? We have an entire section dedicated to coverage of the outbreak. CLICK HERE for more.

Officials said coronavirus patients are currently using eight percent of ICU beds and about seven percent of their available ventilators. There are no pediatric coronavirus patients in the UPMC system. UPMC doctors said their testing data showed a slowing rate of infection and that the area is on the opposite side of what was supposed to be the worst period of the pandemic. There are 118 patients hospitalized with coronavirus and 130 people who were discharged.

UPMC officials also said the pandemic has caused disruptions in care for all patients. The system will begin testing all patients who enter for elective procedures and will test all employees who are showing coronavirus symptoms. The system has the capacity to test 600 patients a day and often has results back in less than six hours. Officials said there is enough PPE to keep employees and patients safe.

Coronavirus in Pennsylvania: 360 new deaths across state Coronavirus in Pennsylvania: 360 new deaths across state

© 2020 Cox Media Group