The Mullan Institute estimates that between now and March 20, 2021, 7% of counties in the USwill experience hospital workforce staffing strains due to COVID-19 hospitalizations. Using new county-level projections of COVID-19 hospitalizations and ICU occupancy provided, it is estimated that 209 counties will need to implement crisis workforce strategies. This involves tiered staffing strategies that integrate non-ICU trained personnel to provide critical care services. Additionally, 12 counties will need contingency workforce strategies, such as higher patient counts per team, float pools, and overtime due to high COVID-19 hospital occupancy.

The COVID-19 County Workforce Deficit Estimator is an online tool to help state and federal planners consider the different strategic approaches to ensure a sufficient heath workforce for COVID-19.