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Dignity Health reports drop in COVID cases, highest numbers in mid-to-late January

"We need to reopen up, judiciously, cautiously," said Ken Keller, president and CEO of Memorial Hospital. "I support trying to get back into school, kids into enviro use to."

Officials with Dignity Health confirmed Wednesday morning that the number of COVID patients has declined in recent weeks as the state moves towards a return to in-class instruction and sports.

By: Anthony Wright, 23ABC

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Officials with Dignity Health confirmed Wednesday morning that the number of COVID patients has declined in recent weeks as the state moves towards a return to in-class instruction and sports.

Mercy and Memorial hospital officials say the surge in cases took place in mid-to-late January before tailing off. They also reported a low number of reported 'flu' cases this year.

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When it comes to Governor Gavin Newsom now pushing for schools to start reopening again, Dignity officials said it's more about how schools reopen, rather than when.

"We need to reopen up, judiciously, cautiously," said Ken Keller, president and CEO of Memorial Hospital. "I support trying to get back into school, kids into enviro use to."

"I do think time to live with COVID, put society on hold, do personally worry about children," added Memorial Hospital Chief Nursing Officer Terri Church.

Despite the lower virus numbers, Mercy Hospital still reported about 15 COVID patients in ICU while Memorial reported more than a dozen.

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