Nine COVID patients being treated at Lompoc Valley Medical Center

LOMPOC, Calif. – Doctors at Lompoc Valley Medical Center are seeing their share of COVID-19 patients.

As the year comes to a close, 9 out of 25 patients at LVMC are suffering from the virus. That's approximately 36% of patients that are COVID related. Two of the nine are in the intensive care unit.

Dr. Naishadh Buch says the number of COVID patients started to pick up during Christmas week and the staff is preparing for more.

The hospital says the number of COVID-related hospitalizations will likely continue to rise. They advise residents to avoid large gatherings in households as New Year's Eve is right around the corner.

COVID vaccines is a bright stop for the hospital staff.

“We have essentially vaccinated all of the staff, the patient tracing folks," Buch said.

Five COVID patients were discharged from Lompoc Valley Medical Center on Wednesday.