'This has to stop': Houston ICUs filling up after surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations

In just this past week, Texas hospitals have experienced a surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations, climbing to a record number of 3,148 on Friday, according to Texas Health and Human Services.

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has grown to 103,305 in Texas. Harris County now leads the state with 18,552 cases.

As the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations have climbed, Houston hospital ICUs have seen an increased influx in patients. According to Houston Methodist Hospital's ICU lead, Dr. Faisal Masul, ICU admissions have shot up in the last week.

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"In the the last 5 days, ICU admissions have risen 30 or 40 percent," Masud said. "We are very, very full. Initially, the uptick has been more than regular."

Houston's Memorial Hermann Hospital has also seen a marked increase in their ICU admissions, according to Dr. James McCarthy.

"Volumes have definitely been increasing," McCarthy said. "We have vigilantly tried to increase capacity."

Masud said Houston Methodist's plan of action is to meet the need within the Houston community.

"Our strategy is that we going to be adding more beds," he said.

Masud said the influx of ICU patients is concerning.

"This has to stop. This is not good," Masud said. "After Memorial Day, this is what has happened. Everything depends upon people complying with these mask orders and businesses actually enforcing the orders."

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Masud reiterated that Houstonians must stay vigilant and avoid a false sense of security.

"We did such a good job as a city and a state early on," Masud said.  "Now we have a lot to do. To lose all this ground, it’s disturbing."

The message he wants to send to Texans is simple.

"Stop thinking only about yourself. Think of everyone else around you," Masud said. "Please put your mask on. It's a big deal. Please keep your social distancing. If nothing changes, the choice will be out of our hands. Help us help you."