Phoebe Announces COVID Statistics; visit, mask change

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ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) – Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, soon to house 10 National Guardsmen, is changing its visitation and masking policy, as a summer wave of COVID-19 continues.

Tuesday morning, here are Phoebe’s COVID-19 numbers:

Total COVID-19 Patients at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital – 177
Total COVID-19 Patients at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center – 28
Total COVID-19 Patients at Phoebe Worth Medical Center – 4
Total inpatients recovered – 2,628
Total number of positive deaths at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital – 298
Total Positive Phoebe Sumter Deaths – 76
Total vaccines administered – 60,055

“With 11 deaths from COVID-19 in our health care system since Friday, no one should question the severity of this current wave. Fortunately, we have seen a substantial increase in demand for the vaccines over the past two weeks, and now that the FDA has given full approval to the Pfizer vaccine, we hope the demand will grow even more. This approval should give anyone who has hesitated to be vaccinated complete confidence in the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine, ”said Scott Steiner, President and CEO of Phoebe Putney Health System.

“Unfortunately, only 36% of residents in Dougherty County are fully immunized, and that is just not enough. We need to dramatically increase this percentage if we hope to end the pandemic. We fully support the new “Strive for 75” community initiative, aimed at achieving a 75% vaccination rate in Dougherty County within 75 days. We encourage every unvaccinated citizen to do their part, reconsider their decision and get vaccinated. ”

Anyone can make an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccination at Phoebe Clinics in Southwest Georgia by calling (229) 312-MYMD.

Phoebe Putney, CEO and President of Healthcare, Scott Steiner.(Source: WALB)

The state sends again National Guard troops to assist with Phoebe’s COVID-19 response.

“The resources the state deployed in the first wave of the virus were a godsend. Dozens of National Guard soldiers worked alongside the Phoebe family, providing invaluable support to our staff and patients. We are extremely grateful to Governor Kemp and General Carden for sending us help again, ”Steiner said.

Phoebe expects 10 soldiers – both clinical and support staff – to arrive at her main campus on Wednesday.

With the transmission rate so high in the community, Phoebe is adjusting her visiting rules to provide better protection for patients, visitors and staff.

Starting Thursday, patients will only be allowed a total of two visitors per 24-hour period. The current rule of only allowing one visitor at a time remains in place.

“We know how important it is for families to see their loved ones who are in the hospital, so we don’t want to stop visits altogether. However, the virus is spreading so rapidly at the moment, we must do everything possible to limit the number of people entering our facilities. Once a visitor leaves the hospital, they will not be allowed to return until the next day, and – with the exception of typical exceptions such as births and end-of-life situations – no more than two people can return. visit to a patient in one day. We regret any inconvenience this may cause to families, but we are under extraordinary circumstances and we must put safety first, ”said Dr. Dianna Grant, Chief Medical Officer of Health Phoebe Putney.

Dianna Grant, Chief Medical Officer of the Health System Phoebe Putney(WALB)

Also from Thursday, all visitors will be required to wear a surgical mask, covered with a fabric mask or held in place by a splint or fitter. Since surgical masks don’t always fit properly, the CDC recommends double masking for better protection. Phoebe employees will also be required to double face masks in areas where higher levels of personal protective equipment are not required. Surgical and cloth masks will be provided to patients and visitors to Phoebe’s facilities, for those who do not.

Phoebe also strongly encourages people to wear masks in public places outside of medical facilities to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Several school systems in southwest Georgia have already had to change their schedules due to COVID-19 outbreaks.

Last week, more than two dozen area pediatricians and Phoebe’s chief medical officers signed an open letter urging schools to demand masks for all students, faculty and visitors. In part, the letter said, “The science is clear. Proper use of face masks significantly reduces the spread of the coronavirus. Requiring masking will protect students and give schools the best opportunity to minimize disruption, and we encourage all school systems in the region to consider masking requirements. “

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