Baptist Health seeing slow, steady decline in coronavirus hospitalizations, positive cases

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As the United States has exceeded 200,000 COVID-19 deaths, and weeks into the new school year, Baptist Health Jacksonville reports it is seeing a slow but steady decline in hospitalizations and positive cases.

“Overall the numbers of positives and patients in hospitals has been going down. And that’s certainly been our experience here at Baptist Health”, said Dr. Elizabeth Ransom, Executive Vice President and Chief Physician Executive.

LISTEN: Dr. Elizabeth Ransom, Baptist Health

There are predictive models that suggest a slight increase in cases and hospitalizations related to schools reopening, but Dr. Ransom says they have not seen that locally.

“There is another model that looks at a potential increase later in October and into November related to the reopening of bars, so we’re hoping, we’re keeping our fingers crossed that we don’t see those increases again. But we are prepared”, Ransom said.

As for guidance to local families making the decision about returning to brick and mortar classrooms or maintaining distance learning, Ransom said common sense is the key. Maintaining proper physical distancing, wearing a mask, and regularly washing hands are key.

“We don’t want to let down our guard because the virus is still out there”, said Ransom.

Cox Media Group