Experts predicted a fall covid-19 surge could overwhelm hospitals.

But so far, local hospitals have been able to deal with more cases.

“We continue to carefully monitor the covid incidents in our community,” said Melissa Taylor, vice president and chief nursing officer at Lexington Medical Center.

“While we have seen the number of patients with covid increase over the past couple of weeks, we have efficiently managed the higher volume.

“We encourage everyone to follow CDC guidelines to keep our community safe.”

Since Nov. 1, DHEC reported close to or more than 1,000 new daily cases on at least 5 days.

University of South Carolina Biostatistician Stella Self said, “South Carolina actually lags behind the rest of the country so we are not, in my opinion, in the thick of it yet, but it’s definitely coming.”

The SC Hospital Association said they’re working closely with all hospitals across the state to prepare.

SCHA Chief Operating Officer Melanie Matney said, “We are expecting to see an increased number hospitalized, in ICUs, an increased use of ventilators in the next couple of weeks and longer as we see an increased number of people test positive.”

Matney said her organization is helping hospitals have surge plans ready, maintain close contact with DHEC and keep lines of communication open.