Local hospitals prepare for possible increase in COVID-19 cases

Local health care organizations are preparing for an anticipated surge in COVID-19 cases.

Medical professionals say several areas could see an increase within the next few weeks.

Surge in covid-19 cases.

Medical professionals say several areas could see an increase within the next few weeks.

News 18's marvin bills spent the day finding out what hospitals are doing to try and stay ahead this pandemic.

He joins us live with that information, marvin?

Construction is currently underway on two new structures here in the parking lot at franciscan health lafayette east.

Iu health arnett has canceled several surgeries and has significantly decreased non-emergency foot traffic.

Workers at the hospitals say these measures will make a huge difference if and when the time comes.

You're looking at the structure of a 20 by 40 foot temporary triage building in the parking lot of franciscan health lafayette east.

"that will be available if we would need it, if the cases rise like are being predicted by the middle to end of april.

We could probably seat between twenty and forty patients out there in chairs."

Jody matthew is the director of nursing operations.

She's in charge of making sure these extra measures taken are done appropriately.

"this is not the first time we've planned for things like this.

This is the first time we've had covid-19, but it's not the first time we've had really bad flu years."

Right now there's a triage tent right outside of the er entrance.

It will be utilized as a screening area for those who could have covid-19.

It will also be used as another area to house patients in case of over- crowding.

Franciscan health is also launching a drive thru testing site.

People who have received a doctor's order will get tested.

"it's not comfortable.

You have to get a swab through the nose to the back of the throat and twist it.

So if you are doing it right it's a little bit uncomfortable."

Dr. jim bien with iu health arnett says they've also been planning for several weeks for the possible increase of covid-19 cases.

"we have had surgery schedules canceled except for urgent or emergency cases that have to be done now to prevent harm."

Iu health has also required that doctor appointments happen virtually through an app iu health video visits.

"reducing the number of people in the hospital for elective cases.

Re-distributing physicians and nurses and medical assistants and others.

We are getting ready for this surge."

Franciscan health lafayette east drive thru testing is expected to start later this week.

They're also hoping that construction for temporary triage building will be completed within a week and a half.

Iu health arnett says there are talks to start a drive-thru testing site at their location and testing for their medical staff but nothing has been set yet.

Live on the east side of lafayette, marvin bills news 18.

Indiana is now up to nearly