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

• Total COVID-19 Patients in Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital – 68

• Total COVID-19 Patients in Phoebe Sumter Medical Center – 13

• Total COVID-19 Patients in Phoebe Worth Medical Center – 3

• Total Inpatients Recovered – 4,025

• Total Positive Deaths from Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital – 440

• Total Positive Deaths from Phoebe Sumter – 122

• Total Positive Deaths from Phoebe Worth – 1

• Total Vaccines Administered – 78,829

“Yesterday, we admitted five COVID-19 patients to our hospitals.  That is our lowest daily admission number since December 31.  The positivity rate of patients we are testing for COVID at Phoebe is also down significantly, and the statewide average of daily confirmed cases has plummeted in the last two weeks.  Those are all encouraging indicators that show the omicron surge is waning,” said Scott Steiner, Phoebe Putney Health System President & CEO.  “While we can’t be sure, we certainly hope this will be the last major COVID surge we have to endure.  We need everyone to do their part to make that hope a reality.”

Phoebe continues to urge unvaccinated people to get vaccinated and vaccinated individuals to get boosted.  “Booster shots provide excellent protection against serious illness, and they are especially important for people with compromised immune systems,” said Dianna Grant, MD, Phoebe Putney Health System Chief Medical Officer.  “The CDC now recommends people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised receive a second booster dose three months after their first booster shot, for a total of four shots.  We support that recommendation and are providing those doses for patients who qualify,” Dr. Grant added.

Phoebe also plans to ease hospital visitation restrictions beginning Thursday.  “With our numbers declining, we have reached a trigger point to reopen visitation slightly.  We believe we can now safely allow two visitors per patient per day, though only one visitor at time,” Dr. Grant said.

Visitation guidelines and other updated COVID-19 information can be found at phoebehealth.com/coronavirus.