COVID-19 Testing Statistics for HealthPlus, EAMC and EAMC-Lanier:
3452 – # of COVID-19 tests submitted
562 – # of COVID-19 tests that were POSITIVE
2770– # of COVID-19 tests that were NEGATIVE
75 – # of COVID-19 tests that are pending results
16.9% – percentage of EAMC test kits that have resulted positive
86 – # of COVID-19 positive patients who have been discharged home
For confirmed Alabama COVID-19 cases by county, please visit this ADPH link: https://covid19.alabama.gov/#live-updates
Updated COVID Census
The number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized at EAMC and EAMC-Lanier continues to ebb and flow a little each day. The 528-SICK Call Center volume remains stable at about 200 a day and testing at about 45 a day.
The Importance of Wearing a Mask (by Michael Roberts, M.D., hospitalist and chief of staff)
The issue of wearing face coverings in public comes up frequently these days. A common sentiment is, “If I am not personally at high risk for COVID-19, why should I wear a mask?” I suspect this is why I see so many people in public places who are not covering their nose and mouth. The CDC has recommended “wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.” Read the rest of his story here: https://bit.ly/2z56KYs
Cloth Masks Needed for Nursing Homes
The CDC has released new recommendations for residents in nursing homes to wear masks when receiving care or outside of their rooms. If you are interested in donating cloth/ear loop masks for the residents of Oak Park and EAMC-Lanier Nursing Home, please deliver them to the Main Lobby entrance at EAMC and they will be sent to these locations. The nursing homes have about 200 combined residents and they would like for each resident to have a handful of masks.
Protecting You
As EAMC and EAMC-Lanier begin to schedule more elective procedures, the organization wants to make the public aware of steps it is taking to protect them. From screenings and masks to extra cleaning and social distancing, the hospitals are taking these extra measures to keep patients and staff members safe.
EAMC Doctor Offers Fishing Advice While Staying Safe from COVID-19
In March, Neil Schaffner, M.D. of Endocrinology and Metabolism of East Alabama was interviewed by Bassmaster.com for an article about fishing safely during COVID-19. Dr. Schaffner, an avid fisherman, provides sound advice that is important to read as Alabama residents venture out a little more under Governor Ivey’s “Safer-at-Home” orders.https://m.bassmaster.com/fishsmart/how-fish-safely-during-covid-19
Visitor Restrictions
Governor Ivey’s “Safer-at-Home” orders are now in effect, but EAMC and EAMC-Lanier are keeping their visitor restrictions in place for the time being. The restrictions, which only allow for 1-2 designated family members in specific situations (childbirth, pediatric patient, and when a patient’s death is imminent) will remain until further notice so as to protect patients and staff. EAMC will announce when these restrictions change and there will likely still be limitations.