COVID-19 HOSPITALIZATION UPDATE
The last week of June has seen an increase in hospitalizations of patients with COVID-19, but we end the month at 22 which is about average for the whole month. One aspect of the graph that catches the eye is the increase in the number of pending COVID-19 cases. However, that’s due in part to a shortage of rapid result tests, meaning some results were taking 2-3 days instead of less than 24 hours. Those supplies have been replenished for now, but occasional shortages are possible in the future.
528-SICK REMINDER
The current 528-SICK call center hours are 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday, including Friday, July 3. For the time being, the call center is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. As a reminder, individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms can contact 334-528-SICK to be screened by a clinician. If the symptoms warrant being tested, the individual will be scheduled for a COVID-19 testing appointment. The main symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, difficulty breathing, body aches, loss of taste or smell, vomiting and diarrhea. If you 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.
CALLS AND TESTING SEE AN UPTICK
Calls to 528-SICK have been increasing. Last week, there were 2,192 calls and yesterday alone, there were 676. To accommodate the increase, EAMC revised its number of open lines from five to nine. Drive-through testing has also been on the incline. Last week, 354 people were tested and 76 of them were positive. This equates to a 21.5 percent positivity rate.
EAMC LENDS SUPPORT TO MAYORS’ VIDEO
In preparation for July 4thand beyond, the mayors of Auburn and Opelika decided to put together a video encouraging residents to follow the main guidelines associated with slowing the spread of COVID-19. Michael Roberts, M.D., EAMC’s chief of staff, joined Auburn Mayor Ron Anders and Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller in asking for the public’s help in social distancing, washing of hands and wearing a mask when out in public settings where social distancing cannot be guaranteed. Here’s a link to the video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_MIOhLBJ8Y
AU MEDICAL CLINIC UPDATE
The Auburn University Medical Clinic (a service of EAMC) has been busy over the past month with increased testing of students as well as the general public. Last week, they performed 855 tests with 92 of them being positive. That’s a 10.8 percent positivity rate. The A.U. Medical Clinic will be closed July 3 – 6 in observance of Independence Day.
For confirmed Alabama COVID-19 cases by county, please visit this ADPH link: https://covid19.alabama.gov/#live-updates