Hood River County Health Department Chief Health Officer Dr. Christopher Van Tilburg points out that high hospitalization rates across the state are not all about COVID-19.  In a video posted on the department’s Facebook page over the weekend, Van Tilburg noted Portland metro and Willamette Valley hospitals are at or near capacity, but not necessarily because of COVID-19 specifically.  He does say the upshot for rural areas of the state like the Columbia Gorge is those who need specialty care in a larger area may face a wait.  Van Tilburg said the best thing people can do to help with the issue is to take steps to stay healthy.