Surging COVID-19 cases strain Missouri hospitals, schools

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Hospital officials across the state say a continuing surge in COVID-19 cases is straining their ability to provide care, particularly for patients who come to emergency departments. Some hospitals report people are waiting in emergency rooms for hours because of a lack of beds or staff, while rural hospitals are unable to transfer patients to larger facilities. Missouri reported a record high for statewide hospitalizations Friday, topping 2,900 for the first time and exceeding the record of 2,862 set in December 2020. Schools continue to struggle, with some canceling classes and others continuing or reinstating mask mandates.