A surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations worries Oklahoma doctor

(AP) — The number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Oklahoma has topped 900 for the first time since February, and a nursing shortage at a time like this has a University of Oklahoma doctor worried. 

The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported 954 COVID-19 hospitalizations Thursday. 

OU Health Dr. Dale Bratzler says a nurse shortage from those leaving the profession during the pandemic means fewer available for patient care. 

OU Health has reported a 19% shortage of nurses, or about 400 positions. 

The health department reports 2,342 new coronavirus cases and a seven-day daily average of 1,832, up from 1,268 a week ago.