Del Norte County's only hospital, Sutter Coast, is setting up "two surge tents" and has postponed non-emergency surgies amid a rapid increase in COVID-19 patients, according to a memo today from CEO Mitch Hanna, who urged those who are not yet vaccinated to do so.

Last week, the hospital announced it had actived its surge plan in response to a marked increase in those with the virus seeking care. According to a state database, Del Norte County currently has 17 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, with six undergoing intensive care.


As of Aug. 5, according to the county of Del Norte's COVID Information Hub, 53.3 percent eligible residents were not vaccinated. Del Norte saw 72 cases confirmed yesterday, with 285 recorded since July 26. Pelican Bay Prison, which is recorded separately from the county as a whole, saw nine new cases yesterday.

"As we manage the increase in hospitalizations, we are carefully monitoring the data and will continue to adjust our operations as needed," Hanna states in the memo. "It is important the public knows that the hospital is prepared for and is managing through the current surge in hospitalizations, and to come to the hospital for care if needed."

Read the statement from Sutter Coast CEO Mitch Hanna Issues:

Sutter Coast is continuing to experience a surge of COVID patients needing hospitalization. We activated our surge plan, adjusting operations to support immediate patient needs. The hospital has temporarily postponed non-emergent surgeries, restricted visitors, converted space where needed, and are erecting two surge tents. We are coordinating with public agencies to help manage and reduce the census, and we appreciate the assistance provided by the California Emergency Management Services Authority in supplying immediate staffing and equipment needs. Their assistance has also enabled us to quickly deploy and staff on-site COVID testing, an on-site vaccine clinic and an on-site area to administer monoclonal antibody infusions to treat clinically eligible patients. We are using the breadth of our integrated network to support our dedicated staff and clinicians as they focus on providing the best possible care to patients.

We especially thank CEMSA and the California Department of Public Health for their support and assistance to the residents of Del Norte County. Current case levels are driving some of the highest surge levels to date, requiring emergency response efforts. It’s going to take all of us working together to reduce the spread of illness and slow down the rate of infection. We must be vigilant – wear a mask, practice good hand hygiene, avoid large gatherings and get vaccinated. Vaccination against COVID-19 is still the most effective way to prevent serious illness and death from the virus.

Our teams are equipped and highly trained, and our focus remains on serving our patients and prioritizing the safety of our committed staff and clinicians. As we manage the increase in hospitalizations, we are carefully monitoring the data and will continue to adjust our operations as needed. It is important the public knows that the hospital is prepared for and is managing through the current surge in hospitalizations, and to come to the hospital for care if needed.