Area hospitals warn of increased ER wait times due to COVID surge

ALBANY, NY (WRGB) — Officials with Albany Medical Center, St. Peter's Health Partners and Ellis Medicine are warning the public of longer wait times in hospital emergency departments.

In a joint statement, officials say they have seen an increase in patient volume due to COVID, which could mean longer wait times at area ERs.

"Between our current inpatient numbers and the surge in COVID cases, all of our area's emergency departments are reporting longer wait times for patients seeking care. We understand that people are frustrated with the longer wait times and ask for their patience and respect for our health care providers."

Officials from the three providers stress that wait times may be shorter for non-emergency care at urgent care centers and primary care physicians.

NYS Department of Health announced this week that the Capital Region has the second-highest level of reported COVID-19 infections statewide.

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Hospitalizations are also on the upswing.