Surging coronavirus cases are beginning to affect more people than those who test positive. Jackson County is seeing less bed availability in Providence and Asante hospitals.

The Oregon Health Authority Reports ICU beds in Jackson County at 80.7% occupancy. That leaves 68 beds available, 11 from ICU and 57 non-ICU.

Jackson County’s Medical Director, Dr. Jim Shames said based on statewide trends, this does not come as a surprise.

Asante says they will be following an escalation protocol. It includes looking within their system’s three hospitals where they can accommodate patients as needed, second, if those hospitals are completely full, they would look at partner hospitals within the region in accordance with OHA. The last thing they’d do is look beyond the region for hospital availability if their regional partners are also full.

Dr. Shames said people who are short of breath, critically ill, or severly injured should continue to seek medical support.

As of right now, Jackson and Josephine counties have the fewest beds available of all counties in southern Oregon.