Hospitalizations Increase
As of this morning, EAMC and EAMC-Lanier combined to have 27 patients hospitalized with positive cases of COVID-19, the highest combined total since May 18. The total marks an increase of 11 new hospitalizations in the past week. “This is a very critical time in the pandemic,” says Ricardo Maldonado, M.D., infectious disease specialist at EAMC. “We need all of our community to help slow the spread of COVID-19.”
Dr. Maldonado says it’s important to stay informed about the pandemic so as to make the right decisions for you and your family. “When looking for information, depending on the source, this could be either exaggerated or underestimated, because of the unfortunate politization of the topic,” states Dr. Maldonado. “There are too many information sources that have a personal agenda. Our only agenda is to protect our community. We will give you the most accurate and scientific information about COVID-19 information as well as current local COVID-19 activity.”
Concerned about a second wave, Dr. Maldonado encourages individuals and businesses to follow the guidance passed down from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). “At EAMC, we have been very successful avoiding COVID-19 infection among health care workers. Do you know why? Because face masks, eye protection, surface cleaning and obsessive hand hygiene works. If it worked inside the hospital, it will also work outside the hospital.”
Please Mask Up to Curb COVID
EAMC officials are re-issuing their plea for people to wear masks when around people outside of their household. While the hospital can’t specifically attribute the current increase to people not wearing masks, they feel it likely contributed. “There’s a sense that it (COVID-19) has gone away, but it has not,” states Michael Roberts, M.D., a hospitalist and EAMC’s current chief of staff. “We are definitely better off than we were 8 weeks ago, but we’ve started seeing an increase in calls, tests and hospitalizations, and so we want to sound the alarm now before it gets any worse.” Dr. Roberts says there are two key factors to consider. “Social distancing and wearing face coverings are two simple strategies supported by the CDC for preventing the spread of COVID-19. Having employees wear masks may prevent an employee without symptoms from spreading COVID-19 to a customer, and vice versa. Wearing a mask is a simple way to demonstrate to those around you that you care about their well-being.”
When To Call 528-SICK
In recent days, the Emergency Department has seen an increase in the number of patients arriving with possible COVID-19 symptoms and seeking to be tested. Individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or believe they’ve had an exposure that warrants testing, are asked to call 334-528-SICK to be screened. If warranted, the individual will be scheduled for a COVID-19 testing appointment. Symptoms of COVID-19 includefever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, new loss of taste or smell, vomiting or diarrhea, and/or sore throat. If you do have a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest Emergency Department. For non-emergent medical care, please contact your primary care physician or visit an urgent care office. The hours of operation for 528-SICK are currently 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday.
For confirmed Alabama COVID-19 cases by county, please visit this ADPH link: https://covid19.alabama.gov/#live-updates