[ad_1]
COVID hospitalizations at Sarasota memorial on the rise
Kimberly Kuizon reports
SARASOTA, Florida – There are many reasons why people may choose not to be vaccinated. But it’s a choice that has consequences, according to doctors at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, which, like other hospitals, must bear the brunt of the decision.
“What we used to call the light at the end of the tunnel becomes very dim light very far away,” said Dr Manuel Gordillo, medical director of the infection prevention and control unit at SMH.
Gordillo said the past three weeks have brought new cases of COVID-19, with nearly all new patients unvaccinated.
“This only prolongs the pandemic and gives the virus the opportunity to create new variants, so we’ll deal with this over and over again. If we keep dealing with new variants, it will be a long way from here.” , did he declare.
RELATED: New COVID-19 cases in Florida nearly doubled from last week; the positivity rate jumps
A month ago, the Sarasota Memorial Hospital had single-digit COVID patients, none in intensive care. As of Monday morning, 36 people were hospitalized with COVID-19, including seven in intensive care.
“It’s concerning and frustrating because we know we have the tools to protect people. This infection has become largely preventable,” Gordillo continued.
RELATED: Tampa General Hospital beds fill with unvaccinated COVID-19 patients
The Florida Department of Health shows that less than 50% of Floridians are fully vaccinated. With the Delta variant present, Dr Gordillo said it was a bad mix.
“Once there is more mobility where people interact more and people go out, especially indoors or in crowded environments without masks, well, that’s a recipe the virus loves,” he said. he declared.
Regardless of the reasoning, Gordillo said it was a problem. He urges those who have not been vaccinated to rethink this decision before it is too late.
“This pandemic has become the epidemic of the unvaccinated,” he added.
RELATED: ‘Pretty dramatic’ COVID-19 spike sends unvaccinated Polks to hospitals
[ad_2]
Source link