With the current surge in COVID-19 cases across the state, local hospitals and emergency services are feeling the brunt of that surge as emergency rooms (ER) and intensive care units (ICU) fill up.
While many hospitals, such as the Northeast Georgia Medical Centers in Braselton and Gainesville are severely overcrowded, and Northside Forsyth is on total diversion, Habersham Medical Center is busy, but still operating as usual.
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There are currently 9 COVID-19 positive patients at Habersham Medical Center, with two patients in the hospital’s ICU and seven in the medical-surgical unit. The hospital is still accepting patients, but their ICU is full as the hospital continues to treat patients having other emergencies. Ambulances are diverting ICU traffic to other area hospitals.
“Habersham was on total diversion all day Wednesday until 7:00 p.m.,” says Habersham County Emergency Services Director Chad Black. “Then was only in critical care ICU diversion. My understanding was this was not related to COVID, just [an] increase in medical patients overall.”
“We have been managing our way through this pandemic for nearly two years,” Habersham Medical Center Vice President of Culture and Wellness Kesha Clinkscale says. “As we learn more about the virus, we also learn new ways to better protect ourselves from contracting the virus and spreading it to others.”
Clinkscale encourages getting a COVID-19 vaccine and a booster, wearing a face mask, social distancing and practicing healthy hand hygiene. She also encourages testing for COVID-19 if you may have been exposed.
“According to the CDC, testing can provide information about your risk of spreading the virus,” Clinkscale says. “There are a number of testing options available in the community and some local drug stores sell over-the-counter home testing kits. These tests are reliable and can confirm if you have a COVID-19 infection. More information about testing options can be found on the CDC’s website.”
Clinkscale says that while everyone is tired of the virus impacting their lives, the community needs to remain vigilant in protecting one another.
“While we all are experiencing COVID-fatigue and want to wish this pandemic away, we must be mindful that COVID-19 is still a very serious public health threat and the most current variant is more contagious than previous strains,” she says. “So, despite our fatigue, we all must continue to do all that we can to protect ourselves and our loved ones.”
