Hospitals in half of US states close to capacity as Omicron continues surge

In 24 states at least 80% of staffed hospital beds were occupied as the Omicron variant has triggered a record number of Covid cases

Hospitals in nearly half of US states are nearing capacity, according to the Department of Health and Human Services, as the Omicron variant has triggered a record number of cases across the country.

In 18 states at least 85% of adult intensive care unit beds were in use, while in 24 states at least 80% of staffed hospital beds were occupied, HHS data shows.