Northeast Ohiio - Local Valley hospitals such as Belmont Pines Hospital and Salem Regional Medical Center are joining other Northeast Ohio hospitals in calling on Northeast Ohioans to do their part to reduce the overflow in hospitals.

Northeast Ohio is experiencing a dramatic surge in patients in its healthcare facilities. Hospitals, emergency departments and urgent care centers alike are all seeing higher numbers of patients.

This in turn is causing a shortage in available inpatient beds and significantly longer wait times than usual. There are several factors leading to this situation, but most notably, the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Ohio is causing a higher degree of illness causing more and more people to require hospitalization. Models show that this number is expected to continue to grow.

These hospitals offered the following advice to Northeast Ohioans:

-Get vaccinated against COVID-19 if you haven't already.

-For mild routine health care needs, consider seeking care from your local health care provider, telehealth services or pharmacy-based clinics rather than a hospital.

-If experiencing mild COVID-19 symptoms, call one of the health care providers listed above before seeking care in a hospital.

-If your are concerned about COVID-19 exposure, but are not experiencing any symptoms, or need proof of a negative test for travel or event access purposes, find testing sites near you here.

-Consider not seeking treatment at an emergency department if you have mild/no symptoms.

-Wear a mask indoors or at large gatherings, even when fully vaccinated.

-Social distance and avoid large crowds whenever possible.

-Practice frequent handwashing.

Northeast Ohio hospitals are reminding residents that unless their COVID-19 symptoms are worsening or life-threatening, or if they have any other life-threatening illnesses or injuries, that they have better care options that can help hospitals stay focused on delivering advanced care to those who need it most.