As of noon Wednesday, these were Phoebe’s COVID-19 numbers:

Total COVID-19 Patients in Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital – 67

Total COVID-19 Patients in Phoebe Sumter Medical Center – 23

Total COVID-19 Patients in Phoebe Worth Medical Center – 0

Total Inpatients Recovered – 331

Total Positive Deaths from Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital – 94

Total Positive Deaths from Phoebe Sumter – 28

“While our numbers this week do show an increase in COVID-19 inpatients, that increase may be partly due a delay in testing results because of a lack of supply of rapid test kits.  Some patients precautionarily admitted as COVID-19 patients may turn out to be negative once their test results are returned.  We still are concerned that transmission of the virus could increase, particularly if people get together in large groups over the Memorial Day weekend.  We know everyone is anxious to go outside and get active again.  We simply urge them to be cautious and follow proper guidelines to minimize the risk of spreading coronavirus,” said Scott Steiner, Phoebe Putney Health System Chief Executive Officer. 

To prevent a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in southwest Georgia, Phoebe strongly encourages everyone to strictly adhere to the following coronavirus prevention tips.

Wear a mask at work and in public at all times.

Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water or use hand sanitizer often.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Do not congregate in groups and always maintain a distance of six feet from others when you are in public.

Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces often.