Inova Alexandria Hospital at Half Capacity As COVID-19 Surge Begins

Inova Alexandria Hospital is at the beginning of a surge in COVID-19 cases, and says that hospital staff are acclimating to the new normal and are prepared for the days ahead.

The hospital is at half of its capacity and is currently treating about 60 patients for COVID-19, hospital CEO Dr. Rina Bansal told ALXnow.

There has been one death in Alexandria and there are 141 confirmed cases.

“We are at the beginning of the surge, and we are prepared to care for the community,” Bansal said. “Currently we have about 60 patients in the hospital that are being treated or tested for COVID.”

Bansal added, “We can take care of up to 303 patients. That’s how many beds beds we have, and we have surge plans that allow us to use other areas in the hospital to create more bed space.”

The hospital is managing its supply of personal protective equipment and is asking for donations of N95 respirator masks and surgical gloves. Bansal is also accepting food donations from restaurants for her staff.

Bansal is also conducting weekly calls with the entire hospital staff to discuss issues, and that the anxiety levels are down now that staff are adapting to the new normal.

“Things are going very well from the perspective of becoming more comfortable with taking care of COVID-positive patients, with taking care of how sick they can be,” she said. “I feel like the first few weeks really helped us prepare for what is here now and what may be coming.”

Bansal is asking residents to continue with hand hygiene and social distancing, and for people to hold their family members and friends accountable.

“I think that’s still key for us to continue to try to flatten the curve,” she said.

Staff photo by James Cullum