COVID-19 HOSPITALIZATION UPDATE

Today finds EAMC with 46 patients hospitalized with COVID-19, and eight of them on ventilators. While that is a decline from previous days, John Atkinson, hospital spokesman, says the number is still concerning. “We started July with 24 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and only one on a ventilator. Exactly three weeks later, on July 22, we had 62 patients with COVID-19 and eight on ventilators. That shows you how quickly this virus can get out of hand. And why we must respect it.”

The decline has been a mixture of fewer admissions as well as patients who have been discharged home to recover. Deaths attributed to COVID-19, such as Lee County Commissioner Johnny Lawrence who passed on Friday, also play a role. “This virus has been extremely taxing on patients and staff alike. We grieve when a patient is lost. We know it is heartbreaking for the families, and our doctors and staff take it very personal as well.”

528-SICK AND TESTING VOLUMES DECLINE SLIGHTLY

Two full weeks have now passed since the mask mandate for Alabama went into effect on July 16. For the week of July 20-24, EAMC’s 528-SICK call center saw 3532 calls, but the volume dropped to 2274 for July 27-31. Likewise, testing volumes dipped from 749 in the first week after the mandate to 612 last week. Lastly, the number of positive cases declined from 127 to 93.

COLLEGE STUDENT COVID-19 TESTING NOT AVAILABLE

Most colleges and universities throughout Alabama are requiring students to be tested for COVID-19 before the fall semester begins. However, it’s important to know that students CANNOT be tested by going through EAMC’s 528-SICK call center as it is strictly for people who are currently exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, or have experienced direct/close contact with a known positive.

Instead, there are dedicated testing sites for this requirement located around the state, including one at Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum on the AU campus, and testing will begin tomorrow, August 4. However, students must have an appointment to be tested.

Complete information regarding COVID-19 for Auburn and Southern Union students can be found at the links below:

Auburn University

http://ahealthieru.auburn.edu/?ref=hpslider

Southern Union State Community College

https://www.suscc.edu/about-suscc/news-and-events.cms/2020/204/fall-2020-student-safety-protocol

Coronavirus Updates & News