April 28, 2021 10:50 a.m.

An Oregon hospital group said its members are prepared for a surge in COVID-19 cases.

Becky Hultberg, President and CEO of the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems said, “The evidence is clear: Oregon is experiencing a fourth wave of COVID-19 cases, with case counts up almost 60 percent over the past two weeks”. She said that hospitalizations are rising as well and went over 300 as of Monday.

Hultberg said hospitals are working together, coordinating bed space, supplies and essential services, just as they have successfully done many times on previous challenges like PPE and vaccinations. She said the hospital leaders are confident they can manage this situation by working collaboratively, while continuing to care for patients who need necessary non-urgent procedures.

Hutlberg said the most important step residents can take to keep the economy and schools open is to get vaccinated if they have not yet already done so.