(La Porte County, IN) - COVID-19 locally is nearly just as bad as when the pandemic started, according to Dr. Vidya Kora, who has a medical practice in Michigan City.

Kora said more patients are in the local and area hospitals now than a week ago when the upsurge in cases was on the rise. Bed space in hospitals everywhere is scarce, causing delays for patients needing medical care and even surgery for ailments not related to the virus.

“Sometimes, they end up having to wait in line in the ER sometimes for several hours before they can find a room upstairs,” he said.

Kora said upwards of 40 patients with COVID-19 Thursday at Franciscan Health hospital outside Michigan City.  He also revealed two of his patients recently died from COVID-19. 

Kora recommended that people first get vaccinated and those vaccinated at least six months ago get their booster shots. He also advised wearing a mask when going to places where they suspect non-vaccinated people will be.