Manitoba could see new high for COVID-19 ICU patients within weeks, number doubled by summer, model suggests
Manitoba could see new high for COVID-19 ICU patients within weeks, number doubled by summer, model suggests
Manitoba expects the number of COVID-19 patients in its intensive care units to exceed the peak of the pandemic's second wave by the end of the May long weekend, and that number could double again before summer, modelling suggests.
A provincial presentation slide obtained by CBC News shows the number of COVID-19 patients in Manitoba ICUs is rising at a rate equal to the worst-case scenario in the province's pandemic model.
The presentation, dated May 4, projects Manitoba could end up with approximately 60 patients in ICUs by May 23, even as COVID-19 immunizations continue.
There were 52 patients in intensive care on Thursday.
"Projections show that by May 23, 2021, the ICU is expected to reach the same historical highest level of occupancy observed during the second wave," the presentation states.
CBC News has agreed not to identify the source of the presentation slide.
The presentation also projects Manitoba could have as many as 124 COVID-19 cases in ICU by June 21. That figure would be more than double the peak ICU number from the second wave, in December.