Mount Nittany Medical Center expresses concern over COVID hospitalization spike

STATE COLLEGE, PA – Dr. Upendra Thaker, chief medical officer at the Mount Nittany Medical Center, has expressed alarm at the recent surge in COVID-19 patients at the Centre County hospital.

In a statement Friday, Dr.Thaker said, “We are alarmed at the escalating rate of COVID positive hospitalizations. The vast majority of the COVID positive inpatients are unvaccinated.”

“As a community, and as doctors and nurses on the front lines, we have been fighting the pandemic for more than a year and half now. We strongly urge the community to please get vaccinated, social distance, avoid large gatherings, wear a mask, and wash your hands frequently. In addition, if you are experiencing any symptoms or have been exposed to someone who is COVID positive, then please isolate yourself from others.”

Mount Nittany reported that as of Friday it was treating 42 COVID-19 patients, more than double from a week ago. For the month the hospital has had 76 COVID inpatients, compared to 15 inpatients for the full month of September 2020.