As of Tuesday morning, these were Phoebe’s COVID-19 numbers:

• Total COVID-19 Patients in Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital – 87

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

• Total COVID-19 Patients in Phoebe Worth Medical Center – 2

• Total Inpatients Recovered – 3,097

• Total Positive Deaths from Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital – 366

• Total Positive Deaths from Phoebe Sumter – 92

• Total Positive Deaths from Phoebe Worth – 1

• Total Vaccines Administered – 63,513

“Our decline in COVID numbers has slowed.  In fact, the number of COVID patients in Phoebe hospitals has actually increased over the last few days, after hitting a 7-week low.  We hope this is only a brief plateau and our downward trend will resume,” said Scott Steiner, Phoebe Putney Health System President and CEO.  “With this week’s slight uptick in hospitalizations, it is certainly important for those who qualify for COVID-19 booster shots to take advantage of that extra protection.  We began providing booster shots to our employees today, and they will be available to the public starting tomorrow in Sylvester, Thursday in Albany and next week in Americus,” Steiner added.

The locations and hours of operation of Phoebe’s mass COVID-19 booster shot sites are as follows:

• Albany – Phoebe Healthworks, 311 W. 3^rd Ave.

• Thursday, Sept. 30 – Friday, Oct 1

• 9 am – 5 pm

• Saturday, Oct. 2 & 9

• 9 am – 1 pm

• Tuesdays – Fridays, Oct. 5 – 15

• 9 am – 5 pm

• Americus – Sumter County EMA (the former National Guard Armory), 901 Adderton St.

• Tuesdays – Thursdays beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 5

• 9 am – 12 pm

• Sylvester – Phoebe Worth Medical Center, 807 S. Isabella St.

• Mondays – Thursdays beginning on Wednesday, Sept. 29

• 9 am – 11 am, 1 pm – 4:30 pm

Currently, the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is only approved for those who received the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago.  It is available to those who are

• At least 65 years old

• At least 18 with a serious underlying medical condition

• At least 18 with significant potential exposure to COVID-19 at work

Southwest Georgians can schedule appointments at the mass vaccination sites by calling 229-312-MYMD (6963), going to www.phoebehealth.com/coronavirus or using the Phoebe Access mobile app.

Phoebe will also provide first and second doses of the vaccine at the mass sites and continues to administer those vaccinations at clinics and mobile events throughout southwest Georgia.  Anyone who has not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19 is encouraged to do so.