Health & Fitness
Triage Tent Signals Upper Chesapeake Ready For Coronavirus Surge
The University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air is preparing for a surge of coronavirus patients.
BEL AIR, MD — A white tent behind Upper Chesapeake Medical Center is a sign the hospital in Bel Air is ramping up its preparedness. As confirmed cases of the new coronavirus rise, the hospital is readying for a possible surge in patients seeking help for COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the virus.
In Harford County, 37 people have tested positive for COVID-19, the Maryland Department of Health reported Thursday morning. There were nine coronavirus cases in Harford County one week ago.
"The incident command team at UMUCH continues its surveillance of, and readiness for, COVID-19," Michael Schwartzberg, a spokesman for the University of Maryland Medical System, said in an email to Patch. "They have set up their triage tent as a measure of increasing preparedness for the potential of a surge in patient volume and to gain additional space for patients ahead of any significant influx."
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The tent is tucked behind the parking garage on the Upper Chesapeake Medical Center campus.
"The plan for treating patients if there is a surge includes expanding Emergency Department capacity using this tent," Schwartzberg said.
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Other hospitals around the country have taken similar measures as coronavirus patient volume increases. In Montgomery County, the National Guard assisted with setting up tents outside six hospitals.
"The goal for COVID-19 vigilance is to quickly evaluate and treat patients for fever and upper respiratory symptoms," Schwartzberg said. "This additional space will allow hospitals a greater level of capacity to care for patients during this pandemic."
Experts urge anyone who is experiencing mild or moderate symptoms of the new coronavirus to avoid heading to the emergency room. Instead, people should call their physician or the Harford County Health Department at 410-612-1779.
These emergency warning signs for COVID-19 mean people should immediately seek medical attention, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Trouble breathing; pain or pressure in the chest that is persistent; new confusion or inability to arouse; and bluish lips or face.
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