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As record breaking numbers continue in Georgia, health officials weigh in on what it means.

ATLANTA It was another record-breaking day for new COVID-19 cases in Georgia. Wednesday, the Department of Public Health reported 2,946 new cases.

The number of current COVID-19-related hospital patients now stands at 1,570, as shown in the graphic below. Thats not the highest number of active patients weve had in this pandemic, but it is the largest since Georgia Emergency Management started providing the data on May first.

I think were seeing a diagnosis made earlier in the course of disease than we did in March or April, and thats because of increased access to testing, said Dr. Danny Branstetter, who serves as the Medical Director of Wellstars Infection Prevention.

Wellstar Kennestone sits in Health District N, which, according to Georgia Emergency Management, is already using 89 percent of its ICU beds between COVID-19 and other illnesses.

Im really concerned about what the next week holds as far as the demand on our ICU level care," Branstetter said.

The line on the chart above indicates the number of active COVID-19 patients since May.

Branstetter said hospitals are ready for it and have room to care for patients, despite how that GEMA data might sound.

We probably operate on a normal basis, without COVID, at a little bit higher than that at capacity. So, those numbers are not too concerning, Branstetter added. "If anything, it says, 'yes, weve got room to take care of people.' And remember, that number does not include our surge capacity planning."

What is making Branstetter concerned, is the unnecessary risk too many are taking by not wearing masks or social distancing.

All of these infections are preventable if we just continue to push on and persist. I know everyones got COVID fatigue. I have COVID fatigue. Its important though we get up every day and realize we still have to do our part. We still have to get up and do all those things we really dont enjoy," Branstetter said.

Hes especially concerned about the rise in cases among 18 to 29 year olds. They now account for 22 percent of the state's positive cases, as shown in the graphic below.

Thats concerning a little bit because theyre the most mobile members of society, so theyre likely to bring it places, Branstetter explained. The one thing I want that age group particularly to know, theyre not immune to the complications of COVID infections.

Thats because young adults tend to visit doctors less for preventative medicine, so they dont know if they have any of the underlying factors that increase risk. He said now that theyre coming in, doctors are seeing an increase in high blood pressure and diabetes diagnosis.

Piedmont Health System shared a chart with us, based on internal surveys regarding patient care. It seems people were just starting to feel comfortable with the idea of going back to the hospital for treatment of chronic illnesses and elective surgeries until mid-June.

Despite a dip in confidence, both Piedmont and Wellstar say theyre well-equipped to handle patients of any kind and urged those in need of care not to wait.

Dont delay. Were very prepared to separate those with COVID infection or potential infection from everyone else, so its very safe to come to receive your health care," Branstetter said.

11Alive is focusing our news coverage on the facts and not the fear around the virus. We want to keep you informed about the latest developments while ensuring that we deliver confirmed, factual information.

We will track the most important coronavirus elements relating to Georgiaon this page.Refresh often for new information.

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Excerpt from:
Here's what is - and isn't -concerning to health experts watching coronavirus in Georgia - 11Alive.com WXIA

This entry was posted on July 7, 2020 at 4:46 pm and is filed under Preventative Medicine. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed. |