Mount Nittany Medical Center is once again adjusting its operations due to rising coronavirus hospitalizations, the health network announced Tuesday afternoon.

Approximately half of the hospital’s elective surgeries that require overnight stays on a day-to-day basis will be rescheduled through January 11, 2021. The measures come as additional components of Mount Nittany Medical Center’s “surge planning measures,” which were activated in early October.

The hospital said it will consider making further adjustments to operations as needed if cases continue to climb. It may also adjust other services as it “balances care for COVID hospitalized patients” and others who need care.

“Health systems around the region and around the country are challenged by the increasing number of COVID-positive admissions,” Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nirmal Joshi. “This surge is affecting everyone’s ability – including ours – to provide care to their communities. Until vaccines are widely available to the community, which will take some time, we urge the public to abide by advice they’ve been hearing about mitigation: wear masks, wash their hands, avoid gatherings, social distance and stay at home as much as possible.”

Joshi also recognized Mount Nittany Medical Center’s “outstanding staff” that has helped navigate challenges and serve the community over the past year.

“We are doing everything possible to manage our operations in a way that serves the community and provides as much support as possible for our frontline workers,” Joshi said.

Currently, 53 coronavirus-positive patients, aged 19 to 95, are hospitalized at Mount Nittany Medical Center. That’s a single-day high and an increase of six patients from Monday.

Centre County reported 77 new coronavirus cases Tuesday to bring its all-time total to 7,814, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

About the Author

Matt DiSanto

Matt proudly served as Onward State’s managing editor for two years until graduating from Penn State in May 2022. Now, he’s off in the real world doing real things. Send him an email (mattdisanto86@gmail.com) or follow him on Twitter (@mattdisanto_) to stay in touch.

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