Ontario hospitals in Red “Control” and Grey “Lockdown” regions of Ontario’s COVID-19 framework have been directed to free up 15% capacity to deal with a surge in cases.

Donna Johnson, Chief Nursing Executive at St. Joseph’s Healthcare, says they are already busy trying to get caught up with the backlog of surgeries.

“Our capacity is sitting between 95 and 100% everyday. We know through the Christmas period, we have a natural slow down of surgical cases. We have also been moving patients to our Satellite facilities. We had 30 move in November and we’re moving another 30 this week.” says Johnson.

The hospital will also have to reduce the amount of non-urgent surgical cases.

“We’re feeling the COVID pressure and we are feeling the non-COVID pressure and trying to balance the two,” says Johnson.

921 Ontarians were hospitalized by the virus Tuesday.

Officials are urging residents not to gather this holiday season so the hospitals do not become overwhelmed.