Overwhelmed U.S. Midwest hospitals prepare for worst with Omicron

The rapid spread of Omicron infections has hospitals in the U.S. Midwest 'preparing for the worst,' with their intensive care units and medical personnel already severely strained from a wave of the potent Delta variant of COVID-19. Indiana, Ohio and Michigan have been hit harder in recent weeks by the virus than any other states. About one in four of their hospital beds are occupied by COVID-19 patients, according to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services data. The impact is even greater in their intensive care units, where COVID-19 patients now account for one-third or more of the beds, according to HHS.