Local health officials are warning about COVID’s impact on hospitals, even as Governor Ralph Northam announces an emergency order.

On Monday, a record number of patients were left waiting in the emergency room

As COVID-19 hospitalizations and cases rise in the area, Ballad Health has announced that it will be postponing all elective overnight surgeries starting Monday, Aug. 16.

In some areas, hospitals are re-opening COVID units and ICUs are nearing full capacity.