The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 in San Bernardino County is higher now than it ever has been, according to data released by the state Friday (Nov. 27). The newest data shows 656 coronavirus-positive patients in county hospitals on Thanksgiving, the previous record was 638 on July 25 as part of a summer surge. Out of those hospitalized, 167 are in the ICU, which is lower than the max of 197 people on July 22. In a county newsletter, Dr. Troy Pennington, an emergency care physician at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, said the county and hospitals have been preparing for this surge. Plans include adding surge beds including in non-clinical spaces like conference rooms, and in temporary structures in parking lots; and curtailing non-urgent procedures.
