PITTSBURGH, Pa. (WPXI) — An increase in COVID-19 cases and staffing shortages are affecting local ER wait times and taking a toll on frontline workers, not only nationally but also locally. Parents reported to our news partners at Channel 11 that wait times at the emergency room of UPMC Children’s Hospital were up to eight hours before their children were seen. But officials say this issue is hardly unique and is a result of the pandemic. Across western Pennsylvania, emergency departments are slammed and staffing is short. The demand for care is higher now than it was months ago and even a year ago, and much of that is related to COVID-19 illness or the concern about it. Officials at UPMC Children’s Hospital ER said higher wait times can also be contributed to the ER being misused by parents, coming in to get their child tested for COVID-19, sprained ankles, runny nose and other non-life-threatening medical issues.