St. Luke's Wood River doc on surge in cases: 'We are very concerned'

KETCHUM, Idaho (CBS2) — Cases are on the rise in Blaine County -- just like in many parts of the Gem State.

Dr. Josh Kern, chief medical officer for St. Luke's in Magic Valley, Jerome and Wood River, says his teams are seeing a surge just like in many other places.

"We are very concerned about the surge across Southern Idaho as capacity for care becomes strained due to increased hospitalizations from COVID," Kern told CBS2.

The majority of the covid-related hospitalizations in the three hospitals are those that have not been vaccinated.

"Even if you’re vaccinated, it can make a difference to you and your loved ones if hospitals in the area fill up due to a COVID surge," Kern said. "Filling up with COVID patients also impacts our ability to take care of you in other ways, such as needed surgeries with an overnight stay, such as joint replacements that (affect) quality of life."

The state on Monday reported205,033 confirmed and probable cases in Idaho (along with 626 new cases on Monday). A total of2,224 people have died from the virus.

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