The COVID-19 unit at Cox South in Springfield is open again after nine patients arrived for intensive care.
Four patients are from Taney County.
CoxHealth President Steve Edwards says he is concerned the increase in patient volume may be due to a relaxation of mask mandate ordinances.
He says other factors may contribute to the increase in patients, such as an increase in tourism and a greater number of elderly patients in Branson.
Health officials have said the best defense against COVID-19 hospitalizations is vaccination.
