County’s confirmed case count hits double digits
By DON FLETCHER
News Staff Writer
While some health officials report that the COVID-19 pandemic is reaching its apex, the number of confirmed cases within Escambia County (Ala.) has reached double digits.
Escambia County Healthcare Authority officials reported in their twice-weekly update issued at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 14, that 10 cases of the novel coronavirus have been confirmed among residents of the county, eight of whom were tested at Atmore Community Hospital, one tested at D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital and one tested at a medical facility outside the county.
Alabama Health Department officials report that no deaths have been reported within the county as a result of the virus but show that only 165 specimens have been collected within the county.
State numbers and local numbers often do not match up because the state only reports confirmed tests on Escambia County residents, while the hospitals report all who were tested at that hospital, regardless of where they live.
ECHCA data shows that 166 total specimens have been collected at ACH, of which 144 were negative for COVID-19 and results are still pending for 13 specimens.
At DWM, 96 tests have been conducted, with 84 negative results and nine pending.
Statewide, ADPH reports that 28,656 specimens had been collected by the report date, with 3,803 cases confirmed. More than 100 (103) Alabama residents have died from the virus.
In related news, ECHCA officials urged anyone willing to sew masks that healthcare workers and others may use, to contact one of the following individuals:
- In Atmore: Bub Gideons (251-359-6523)
- In Brewton: Robin Griffin (251-363-1860)
- In Flomaton: Wanda Vanlandingham (251-609-0827)
Local healthcare officials are also asking that anyone with access to the following items please consider donating them: - Isolation gowns (non-sterile, impervious)
- Masks (surgical, procedure, ear loop, ear loop with face shield, or fog-free procedure mask)
- Latex gloves (exam, nitrile or chemo)
- Hand sanitizer (70 percent ethyl alcohol)
Those willing to donate such items should contact Brad Lowery at 251-368-6215 in Atmore or Bob Ellis at 251-809-8318 in Brewton.
ECHCA officials also urge those who think they might have been exposed to the virus and have developed fever and other symptoms to contact their respective health care provider.
More guidance on how those with such concerns should proceed may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control website: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html
To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, locals are urged to stay home, practice social distancing, wash hands frequently and thoroughly (at least 20 seconds), sanitize, clean, disinfect and wear masks, especially when venturing outside their homes.