UPMC Children’s Hospital opens second COVID-19 unit as precaution

PITTSBURGH — As more children are being hospitalized nationwide with COVID-19, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh has taken a precautionary step.

Trying to stay ahead of coronavirus infections, Children’s Hospital has opened up a second unit for COVID-19 patients so it’s available if needed.

Officials said this is not a reason to panic.

“UPMC Children’s Hospital has opened up a second unit to expand care capability for COVID-19 patients at the hospital. The hospital is safe, operating normally, and ready to provide care for patients and their families,” a statement from UPMC said.

The expansion comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an increase in pediatric hospitalizations nationwide as the omicron variant spreads.

During the week that ended Sunday, an average of 672 children nationwide were admitted to hospitals every day with COVID-19, according to the CDC, which said that’s the highest number since the pandemic began.

>> RELATED STORY: US reaches 1 million daily COVID-19 cases as omicron surges

NBC News reported at least nine states have reported record numbers of COVID-related pediatric hospitalizations. Pennsylvania is one of them.

This has all triggered an influx of new quarantine and booster recommendations that can be hard to keep up with.

The CDC has updated its guidance for immunocompromised children from 5 to 11 years old. They can now get a third primary dose of the Pfizer vaccine 28 days after their second shot.

With growing new COVID-19 cases among all age groups, the CDC also updated its isolation and quarantine guidance.

>>STORY: Coronavirus: CDC clarifies isolation guidance

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