Trinitas Medical Center Keeps A Close Eye On Climbing COVID Cases

ELIZABETH, NJ — Trinitas Medical Center says it has plans in place in case coronavirus cases surge as predicted by state officials during the holidays.

"We're keeping a close eye on the climbing numbers and making plans for every possible eventuality. We plan and drill for just this type of thing," said Doug Harris, spokesman for Trinitas in Elizabeth.

When the pandemic first arrived last spring, Harris said the hospital converted its Same Day Surgery area into a second Intensive Care Unit, and were able to reopen a closed nursing unit that was being used for office space.

"We have plans in place to ensure that we have adequate staffing, personal protective equipment and other vital equipment such as ventilators," said Harris.

The New Jersey Department of Health reported 4,805 news cases Monday in New Jersey. This past Saturday there were 6,247 cases representing New Jersey's highest daily total since the pandemic began.

On Monday, Union County reported 287 new cases bringing its total to 32,669.

Last week, Gov. Phil Murphy said New Jersey could see upwards of 12,000 cases of the coronavirus by early next year if it doesn't get control of the spread of the virus, and hospitalization rates could spike to their highest levels since the spring. Read More: Gov. Murphy Now Says NJ Daily COVID Cases Could Double To 12K

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