Southeast Health District Releasing Bulloch Testing Data, July 14, 2020 Update

For weeks, we have been requesting more data from the Southeast Health District.  Each health district decides what data to release locally.  Often we are asked by readers why other neighboring counties release different or more data than we do.  This is the reason.  This week they agreed to release a little more data to give us a better idea locally how COVID-19 is affecting Bulloch County.  Even though the data they are releasing is still incomplete, what they are releasing is a huge step forward.  At least they are giving us a snapshot of testing data from their Specimen Collection Centers (SPOC)

The data is presented in two graphs below.  The first shows the total number of tests conducted in their SPOC’s weekly.  They are breaking the test down by the County in which the test were conducted.  This does not necessarily mean that all of the individuals tested are from Bulloch County.   Georgia residents are allowed to test in any SPOC in Georgia.

The data also depicts total test and not the number of persons tested. Some individuals may be tested multiple times.  However, they are NOT including tests that are also performed by private physicians, hospitals, federally qualified health centers, urgent care centers, among others so this number is not a comprehensive total of all testing done in our area.

In a second graph the Southeast Health District also shows the percentage of COVID-19 positive specimens collected by the Southeast Health District and processed through their main laboratory (Ipsum Diagnostics), beginning May 25, 2020.  They do not break these down by county.  Evaluating the percentage of positive test results can give you a better understanding of the spread of COVID-19.

We are grateful for the health district for releasing more data to us and would like to thank Rebeca Reis, Risk Communicator for the Southeast Health District in continuing to push for more transparency through data.

We hope that soon they will release total tested and percent positive by county along with numbers of active and recovered cases.  Active and recovered we understand is much more difficult to determine.  However, we want to give as much data to you our readers as possible so you can make informed decisions about how to respond personally to COVID-19.

Scroll down to review this new data.

Today in Bulloch County:

• 684 Total confirmed cases and 6 deaths total reported here with 45 hospitalizations total.  Up 24 confirmed cases since yesterday.  (These figures apply to Bulloch County Residents)
• EGRMC currently/today caring for 23 COVID-19 positive patients today (May or may not be Bulloch County Residents) 5 COVID-19 patients on vents.
• EMS received notice of 1 confirmed COVID-19 positive patients transported recently.  To Date: 49 probable and 39 confirmed transports by EMS.
• Region J Critical Care Bed Capacity decreased to 20 today.  There are only 16% (449 beds) critical care beds available statewide. (DOWN 100 CRITICAL CARE BEDS SINCE YESTERDAY)

Exceeding EGRMC bed and staff capacity is why leaders keep calling for citizens to wear a mask, social distance, wash hands and avoid crowds to slow the spread and not overwhelm our hospital.  EGRMC has 24 ICU beds and 17 vents currently.  The ICU bed count does not include step down beds.  They can expand to more critical beds if needed with some modifications.

Georgia and Bulloch 7 Day Graphs provided by Parker Engineering, Statesboro.

Testing Data

Note: The graphs depict total tests and not the number of persons tested. Some individuals may be tested multiple times.

Weekly Testing Numbers

The following graph depicts the number of specimens collected for testing by the Southeast Health District each week. Tests are also performed by private physicians, hospitals, federally qualified health centers, urgent care centers, among others so this number is not a comprehensive total of all testing done in our area.

Percentage of COVID-19 Positive Tests

The graph below shows the percentage of COVID-19 positive specimens collected by the Southeast Health District and processed through our main laboratory (Ipsum Diagnostics), beginning May 25, 2020.

Evaluating the percentage of positive test results can give you a better understanding of the spread of COVID-19.

BULLOCH COUNTY LONG-TERM CARE FACILITY 7/13/20 COVID-19 REPORT: 

https://dch.georgia.gov/

BULLOCH COUNTY TOTAL COVID-19 DEATHS:

https://dph.georgia.gov/covid-19-daily-status-report

Special thanks to today’s sponsor Vision Source, Professional Eye Care with Dr. Horace Deal and Dr. Dylan Piette.  They are always there for you.  During the entire COVID-19 pandemic, they made a commitment to never close their office.  They continued to see patients and have been available and on call for their patients.  Of course, they are following all CDC recommended safety protocols to keep you and your eyes safe and healthy.  They are all wearing mask and urge patients to do the same.  They limited access and increased sanitation using UVC and Ozone air purifiers.  Every frame is sterilized if touched.  Your health and safety is Dr. Deal and Dr. Piette’s first priority.  You can always count on Vision Source, Professional Eye care to never leave you when your eyes need them the most.  To book an appointment or learn more about Vision Source, Professional Eye care click here or call them at 912-764-5609.