September 10th, 2021 by WCBC Radio

Some hospitals in rural parts of Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania have reached their critical bed capacities as coronavirus cases and deaths continue to surge statewide. Health officials are pleading with the public to avoid unnecessary emergency room visits to allow hospitals to focus their resources on treating COVID-19 patients. Dr. Clay Marsh, is West Virginia’s coronavirus expert…

While many rural hospitals are experiencing difficulties due to the COVID surge- that is not the case for UPMC Western Maryland in Cumberland. The administration issued a press release stating that:

"UPMC Western Maryland does not have a shortage of beds and is not at capacity. Because of UPMC's extensive planning and preparation, all of the system’s  facilities are well-equipped and able to provide care to any patient with a medical need. All UPMC facilities are open, operating normally and ready to provide care for all."