Phoebe Health System reaches 23rd week of fight against COVID-19

ALBANY, Ga. – Phoebe officials announced that they’ve entered their 23rd week of their fight against COVID-19 in the community. Although hospital admissions have slowed significantly since the early weeks of the pandemic, it is still affecting people in the community.

“Albany was one of the hotspots not only in the state but in the nation and the world,” says Dr. Steven Kitchen Phoebe’s chief medical officer.

COVID-19 erupted in Dougherty County within the months of March and April. During that time, the hospital had over 700 patients walk through their doors seeking treatment from the novel virus. 

They were admitting 20 patients on a daily basis. In May and June, that number dropped into the single digits. 

“That average daily census really began to decline.  What we have witnessed over the last six weeks or so is that we’ve seen a gradual increase in the number of patients who have required admission to Phoebe facilities.”

As the hospital system enters their 23rd week of their fight against COVID-19, an average of six patients are seeking medical relief from COVID-19 symptoms, while that number seems low, it’s triple June’s daily admissions.

Dr. Kitchen says, “The degree of community transmission has picked up significantly.”

Right now Phoebe’s outpatient COVID-19 positive rate is hovering near 15% after reaching its low of 5% in May. As people continue to test positive thoughout the state, Phoebe officials are asking people to stay vigilant.

“We’re just going to have to prepare ourselves for the fact that the virus is going to be with us for awhile. I think we do have the ability to significantly decrease the impact it will have by masking, adhering to social distancing, being vigilant and good hand hygiene.”