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September 9, 2021

YNHH officials: COVID-related hospitalization numbers ‘steady’ 

Chris O’Connor, president of Yale New Haven Health, speaks during a virtual media briefing Sept. 9.
By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo

The number of patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 in the Yale New Haven Health system remained about the same in the past two weeks, system officials reported Thursday.

Chris O’Connor, president of Yale New Haven Health, reported the system had 132 COVID positive patients, down slightly from 137 two weeks earlier.

Of the current COVID inpatients, 35 were in intensive care and 19 of those required ventilators, according to O’Connor. 

Of the 132, 69 were at Yale New Haven Hospital, 32 at Bridgeport Hospital, 8 at Greenwich Hospital, 11 at Lawrence + Memorial in New London, and 12 at Westerly Hospital in Rhode Island.

The COVID in-patient population at Yale facilities represent a range of ages, but as of Thursday, none were under the age of 20, officials said.

Dr. Thomas Balcezak, executive vice president and chief clinical officer, said about 99% of the current cases are due to the Delta variant.

On Thursday, Gov. Ned Lamont’s office reported 354 individuals were hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide. To date, the state has had 8,416 COVID-associated deaths.

Vaccination rates

The Yale health system has mandated that all employees get vaccinated against the disease, and Balcezak said about 91% have gotten their required shots. The system is hosting ongoing vaccine fairs to reach the remainder. The deadline for system employees to get fully vaccinated is Sept. 30.

Employees who fail to comply face potential termination. Yale officials said Thursday they are unaware of any employees resigning over the mandate. If the system were to begin pursuing termination against an employee, it wouldn’t be until October, after the deadline has passed.

“I predict you will see more and more vaccine mandates, especially in healthcare settings,” Balcezak said.

Lamont’s office reported that as of Thursday, Connecticut residents who have received at least one vaccine dose by age group included:

  • >95% of those over the age of 65
  • 89% of those between 55-64
  • 80% of those between 45-54
  • 79% of those between 35-44
  • 71% of those between 25-34
  • 67% of those between 18-24
  • 76% of those between 16-17
  • 66% of those between 12-15

According to Healthdata.gov, just over 66% of Connecticut’s total population is fully vaccinated.

“Connecticut is one of the top vaccinated states, and we are getting close to herd immunity,” Balcezak said.

Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com.

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