7 Ways This Covid-19 Surge is Different

From Becker's Hospital Review 8/3/2021:

Perhaps the worst way a leader can respond to the current surge of COVID-19 is with an exaggerated sense of familiarity.

Although communities have before experienced growing positivity rates, cases, hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19, the summer 2021 surge involves some new or evolved factors that are worthy of consideration for leaders to best respond to the needs of their teams, patients and communities. 

COVID-19 surges may not be new for hospitals or health systems, but here are seven reasons the one unfolding now differs from those before. 

1. COVID-19 vaccinations are available. 

2. Clinicians are experiencing a distinct and deep brand of exhaustion. 

3. Hospitals are grappling with labor shortages. 

4. The delta variant is more contagious. 

5. Public health guidance is more nuanced. 

6. COVID-19 patients are younger and fitter.

7. Non-COVID patients are sicker. 

Read the full post from the Leadership & Management section of Becker's Hospital Review on August 3, 2021.