A sign outside of a hospital in Douglas in 2011.
AZPM
Arizona hospitals remain crowded even as COVID-19 patient counts are dropping statewide and while fewer additional confirmed infections and virus-related deaths are reported.
COVID-19 patients occupied only 22% of inpatient beds as of Wednesday, down from a six-month high of 41% on Jan. 27.
However, inpatient beds overall remain nearly full because more non-COVID-19 patients are hospitalized, according to the state Department of Health Services.
Meanwhile, COVID-19 patients still account for about 70% of emergency room usage.
Health officials attribute continued hospital crowding to several factors besides the still large numbers of COIVID-19 patients, many of whom require extended hospital stays.
Credit: Nick O'Gara/AZPM. Sources: The New York Times, based on reports from state and local health agencies, Census Bureau. Case reports do not correspond to day of test.
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