Spread of the coronavirus in the United States is increasing in rural areas where cases tend to emerge later but with greater impact. The Kaiser Family Foundation estimated in the two weeks leading to April 27, rural counties saw a 169% increase in deaths related to the pandemic compared to 113% in urban counties. Most rural medical centers have limited resources and capacity and many serve uninsured patients. Consequently, a surge in COVID-19 patients in these areas could threaten the financial health of hospitals and exceed available resources. (Becker’s Hospital Review story, 5/21/20)
