December 30th, 2021 by WCBC Radio

With more than 2,000 people in the hospital from COVID-19 and a positivity rate of nearly 20%, the Maryland Hospital Association wants the governor to declare a Limited Public Health Emergency for health care services and staffing. That declaration would give hospitals the flexibility to adjust operations. Locally, UPMC issued a status report indicating that  “in the West Central Pa. and Maryland region, including UPMC Western Maryland, UPMC Altoona, UPMC Bedford, and UPMC Somerset, UPMC is currently caring for 90 COVID-19 inpatients. UPMC Western Maryland continues to be open and available”. Hospital Association President Bob Atlas said those in the hospital with COVID-19 are up 119% since early December and the surge is being felt in every part of the state including Allegany County…