Local COVID-19 case total jumps by 118 since Friday
By DON FLETCHER
News Staff Writer
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Alabama and in Escambia County continued an upward swing over the past four days, as almost 4,800 more state residents and 118 more Escambia County residents tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
Two new deaths among county residents were attributed to the virus, bringing the total to eight virus-caused fatalities.
Alabama Department of Public Health officials reported Tuesday, July 7, in an update after their bi-weekly report was posted that day that 411 Escambia County residents have now tested positive for the novel coronavirus, an increase of 118 since ADPH’s July 5 numbers were released.
Hospital reports
Atmore Community Hospital reported 28 new confirmed cases (out of 123 samples collected) during the four-day reporting period from Friday through Tuesday morning. Overall, ACH had collected 204 samples that turned out positive from the 1,163 tests conducted there. Of those, 871 have returned negative results, while 86 tests were still pending lab results, and two were ruled inconclusive.
In Brewton, D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital reports 42 confirmed cases, up 9 from the July 3 report. DWM staff have collected 477 samples, with 426 negative results, 8 tests pending and one inconclusive result.
Statewide, ADPH reported that more than 450,000 samples have been collected, with 44,375 positive cases that have led to 984 deaths.
Nursing homes
One bit of good news came in the form of numbers showing that the spread of COVID-19 among Atmore Nursing Center residents has begun to slow, although positive results for staff members continued at a steadier rate.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) shows that through the week of June 21 (the latest data available), there have been 28 confirmed cases reported among ANC residents, with 17 staffers having tested positive.
The previous numbers released by CMS showed that through June 7, 25 residents and 12 staff members had been tested positive for COVID-19, and that one resident had died as a result of the illness.
Closings
Most businesses and government entities in Atmore remained open as midweek approached, although at least one restaurant has reverted to delivery or carry-out only, and lobbies have been closed at First National Bank & Trust branches and at West Escambia Utilities.
The only area closing confirmed this week is the lobby of Escambia River Electric Cooperative (EREC) in Jay, which will remain stay that way until further notice. The cooperative’s drive-through will remain open.
Bill payment and other information may be found online at www.erec.com or at memberservices@erec.com, or by calling (850) 675-4521 / 1-800-235-3848 for assistance.