(as of 4:30 p.m.)
(Beginning today, we plan to provide these updates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. However, if there is news we need to share more urgently, we will do so on other days.)
In the Hospital
20 – the # of patients currently hospitalized at EAMC with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis.
7 – the # of patients previously hospitalized with COVID-19 who have been discharged.
31 – the # of patients currently hospitalized withsuspectedCOVID-19.
25 – the # of patients currently hospitalized who were previously suspected of COVID-19, but have since received anegativetest result.
Confirmed COVID-19 cases by county in EAMC immediate service area
Lee County – 71 (2 deaths)
Chambers County – 33 (5 deaths)
Tallapoosa County – 13
Bullock County – 3
Clay County – 2
Randolph County – 2
Russell County – 1
EAMC COVID-19 Testing Statistics
1215 – the # of COVID-19 tests submitted by EAMC
809 – the # of COVID-19 tests that were NEGATIVE
294 – the # of COVID-19 tests that are pending results
18.6 – the percentage of tests submitted by EAMC in Alabama (1215 out of 6531)
9.7 – the percentage of EAMC test kits that have tested positive
EAMC’s Approach to Flattening the Curve
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases that EAMC has reported in recent days may seem high compared to other parts of the state. However, it’s important to remember that EAMC began testing earlier than many other areas of the state and currently accounts for almost 20 percent of all testing in Alabama. Also, spring break for Auburn University and Auburn City Schools occurred early in the month before travel restrictions were put in place. Due to careful planning and preparation by EAMC’s leadership—and with guidance from Ricardo Maldonado, infectious disease specialist and Brooke Bailey, Infection Prevention director—EAMC organized its 528-SICK call center and drive through testing site before the first case was announced for Lee County. EAMC’s aggressive approach to stopping the spread of the virus includes implementation of a no-visitor policy prior to the state mandate, implementation of daily screenings of all EAMC employees, pleas to the community to shelter in place, and many other clinical preparations behind the scenes. These COVID-19 plans have been in place for weeks to ensure that EAMC is doing everything possible to flatten the curve and stop the spread of the virus in the community. EAMC’s comprehensive team of highly trained physicians and nursing staff, along with hospital leadership, were able to quickly implement strategies and contingency plans that other hospitals are now using as a guide.
Park and Pray
Park and Pray, a show of support for EAMC that was organized by community members last week, is taking place through Wednesday. Participants have been parking their cars on the 4th floor of the EAMC parking deck and praying for our staff during shift changes (7 – 7:30 a.m.andp.m.). After praying for 30 minutes, they begin flashing their headlights at the hospital at 7:30 a.m.andp.m. This outpouring of love and support is greatly appreciated by everyone at EAMC. Hospital officials, do however, ask that participants please remain in their car during the entire time, and continue social distancing with anyone else in your car. Thank you for your continued support of EAMC during this challenging time.
Update on Supplies and How to Donate
We are thankful to Auburn University and local businesses that have generously donated needed supplies and equipment. While we are currently stable in the number of ventilators, supplies, and other equipment, we still could use help with certain items. Businesses with access to the items listed below who wish to donate them may bring them to the collection site outside of EAMC’s Main Lobby between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. each weekday. An EAMC representative will be there to collect the supplies.
Isolation gowns: non-sterile, impervious
Masks: surgical, procedure, ear loop, ear loop with face shield, or fog-free procedure mask
Latex gloves: exam, nitrile or chemo
Hand sanitizer: 70% ethyl alcohol
Shelter in Place at Home - Now More Than Ever
For weeks, EAMC has encouraged sheltering in place at home as the best way to stop the spread of COVID-19. We have reached out to community leaders, city officials and the media to help share this important message. Unfortunately, there are still groups gathering, children playing in neighborhood parks, dinner parties, bible studies and other similar events. These gatherings are part of our everyday life, and may seem harmless, but continuing to participate in such events will allow COVID-19 to spread further throughout our community and infect the most vulnerable among us. While there is not yet a mandate from the state to shelter in place, EAMC asks area residents toshelter in place at home. That means staying at home with immediate family members only and not leaving your home except for essential activities such as food, medical care, or work. When you do venture out, you should maintain a 6-foot distance from other people, wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds each time, and frequently disinfect high-touch surfaces.
528-SICK Hotline
Hours for our 334-528-SICK screening hotline are 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Specimen collection will continue daily at HealthPlus and at EAMC-Lanier, but is based on available supplies. As a reminder, appointments can only be made through the 334-528-SICK hotline. For more information about when to seek screening, visit eamc.org/coronavirus.