ASHLAND, Ky. — Troubling signs regarding the coronavirus pandemic, as one Eastern Kentucky hospital says a surge in cases has put it at capacity.

King’s Daughters Medical Center in Ashland says it is on track to see a total of 633 cases in September alone. The hospital only saw a total of 840 during the previous six months.

The highest previous month was August, which had 398 cases. September’s numbers have nearly matched that in two-and-a-half weeks.

The hospital is also seeing an increased demand for beds. In response, the hospital has opened a second COVID-19 unit and is already making plans to open a third.

The hospital’s president and CEO is making a public appeal for the community to steps to curb the spread of the virus, including face masks, social distancing and handwashing.