Hospitalizations rise 135% in Kansas City facility, with young people driving spike

Missouri hospitals are reeling from an influx of COVID-19 patients and the surge has prompted one hospital to open up a second intensive care unit.

Missouri hospitals are reeling from an influx of COVID-19 patients and the surge has prompted one hospital to open up a second intensive care unit. COVID-19 hospitalizations have soared 135% at Saint Luke’s Health System in Kansas City over two weeks and the hospital is currently treating 40 patients, according to local ABC affiliate KMBC. Doctors say the patients coming through their doors are unvaccinated 30- to 50-year-olds. The University of Kansas Health System had to open a second COVID-19 ICU with the rise of patients. The health system had 17 patients hospitalized with COVID on Friday, a rise from 13 the day prior, and nine were in the ICU with three on ventilators, according to The Kansas City Star.