South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel’s 13 bed Intensive Care Unit is full, according to Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mark Horne. He’s also president of the state’s medical association and says they were able to fit 15 people into the ICU.
“We’ve actually had to put two patients per room in two rooms. We have at least nine more who are waiting on an ICU bed, patients who are sick enough to be in an ICU unit,” said Horne.
The state health department reports over 6,900 cases between Friday and Sunday. Chief Medical Officer Dr. James Martin at Baptist Golden Triangle in Columbus, says the health department’s COVID-19 System Plan of Care frees-up some ICU beds by transferring certain patients.
“Smaller hospitals and even we were having trouble moving patients to a high level of care. So now, the system of care is a mandatory transfer rotation between the hospitals,” said Martin.
Cassio Battest of Jackson, says he tested positive for the coronavirus but didn’t have to go to the hospital. The 41-year old says he’s quarantined in a hotel room to keep his wife and four children safe.
“First I couldn’t smell anything, couldn’t taste anything and then from there I had some body aches, had some chills, but nothing too serious,” said Battest.
Battest says getting vaccinated will be a priority for him. The state health officer says the high rate of COVID-19 cases will result in around 500 people having to be hospitalized in the coming days.
