Phoebe’s record low Covid-19 patient rolls

Phoebe reached its lowest number of COVID-19 patients since the pandemic began, with a total of only six patients

ALBANY, GA – As of Friday morning, these were Phoebe’s COVID-19 numbers:

• Total COVID-19 Patients in Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital – 7
• Total COVID-19 Patients in Phoebe Sumter Medical Center – 0
• Total COVID-19 Patients in Phoebe Worth Medical Center – 0
• Total Inpatients Recovered – 4,294
• Total Positive Deaths from Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital – 457
• Total Positive Deaths from Phoebe Sumter – 124
• Total Positive Deaths from Phoebe Worth – 1
• Total Vaccines Administered – 79,330

Thursday, Phoebe reached its lowest number of COVID-19 patients since the pandemic began, with a total of only six patients, all being treated at Phoebe’s main campus in Albany.  Today, that number is up slightly to seven patients.

“We look forward to the day when will have zero COVID patients in our hospitals for the first time in more than two years.  We are excited that our inpatient numbers have been in single digits this week, but we are wary of a possible increase in the coming weeks as a new omicron subvariant picks up steam,” said Scott Steiner, Phoebe Putney Health System President & CEO.

Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Community Level for every county in Phoebe’s primary service area is low.  As a result, Phoebe has determined it can safely revise some of its COVID safety protocols.  Those changes include lifting seating limitations in cafeterias and easing visitation restrictions.  Patients may now have two visitors at a time in their rooms.  Further visitation details are available at www.phoebehealth.com/coronavirus.

Based on guidance from the Food & Drug Administration, CDC and Georgia Department of Public Health, Phoebe is now offering an additional booster shot for immunocompromised individuals and anyone who is at least 50 years old, if it has been at least four months since their first booster.

The latest data show that during the recent omicron surge, those who had received a booster shot were 21-times less likely to die from COVID-19 and 7-times less likely to be hospitalized than those who were unvaccinated.   “We know booster shots work, but we also know their effectiveness fades over time,” said Dianna Grant, MD, Phoebe Putney Health System Chief Medical Officer.  “The omicron variant was one of the most contagious viruses ever identified, and the evidence shows the new subvariant is even more transmissible.  Now is the time for people at higher risk of serious illness from COVID to consider getting that extra booster to ensure they are as protected as possible,” Dr. Grant added.

Individuals can schedule an appointment for a COVID-19 booster shot or initial vaccine at Phoebe primary care and urgent care clinics by calling 229-312-MYMD.  Vaccinations are also available through Phoebe’s mobile wellness clinics.  Appointments are not necessary at mobile events.