Murray, Ky.–Murray-Calloway Co. Hospital CEO Jerry Penner has addressed the recent surge in positive COVID-19 cases and beyond in an open letter issued today:
“As expected, the COVID cases in Calloway County have really accelerated since the Memorial Day Weekend. Our county has spiked over 20 cases in the past couple of weeks. Many of you might believe that it is because our healthcare providers are testing more in our area. That is not true.
“At one point, MCCH was testing 100 – 150 patients or more per day with few positive results. More recently, MCCH is only testing 35 – 50 patients a day with a much higher positive rate than we have seen over the past three months. It is no surprise that we are experiencing “clusters” of positives.
“This happens when an entire family may be positive or because people attended the same event (party or bar-b-que) and someone at the gathering becomes symptomatic and tests positive. MCCH is also observing a trend where younger people ages 19 – 35 are testing positive.
“With the increase of positives, hospitalizations at our hospital have increased. Nationally, outbreaks in Tampa, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Dallas and Houston have led to increased strain on Intensive Care Units at local hospitals as people have become more “social” thinking the pandemic has slowed. Just like in Arizona, California, Texas and Florida, the same impact could occur in Calloway County.
“The best advice for prevention is still the same as you have heard for months. Please wear a mask when you are out and seriously consider doing the same when you are concentrated indoors with many people especially as you look forward to spending a nice 4th of July weekend with family and friends.
“While COVID may not impact the younger people as greatly, it does create an issue when they mix company with our vulnerable elderly population. Thanks for reading and remember to wear a mask, social distance and have a great holiday weekend.”