BREAKING: Peterson reports 36 hospitalized, 7 in the ICU with COVID-19

Peterson Regional Medical Center continued an upward trajectory for COVID-19 hospitalizations on Monday, with 36 people admitted, including seven in the intensive care unit.

The census of 36 people is Peterson's largest since the omicron variant emerged last month. It accounts for nearly 40% of the acute-care beds at Peterson. The ICU's census is about 50% full with COVID-19 patients.

Peterson said 123 people tested positive, one of the lower results from a weekend in recent weeks. The numbers represent about a 15% decrease in positive results compared to the previous Monday.

Data from the Jan. 6 report Peterson filed with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services demonstrates how serious the virus impacted the hospital. In all areas of measurement — elevated emergency room visits, ICU admissions, and the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations — Peterson showed it is battling another formidable foe without breaking.

However, public health officials note that while the omicron surge may be peaking, hospitalizations haven't reached their peak, which could come next month.