Some patients at East Alabama Health have had to wait in the emergency department to be assigned a hospital bed as an increasing number of COVID-19 patients require hospitalization.

John Atkinson, spokesperson for East Alabama Health, said that COVID-19 hospitalizations at the system’s facilities are nearing levels seen during earlier peaks of the pandemic.

61 patients were hospitalized for COVID-19 at East Alabama Medical Center or EAMC-Lanier Monday, one shy of the second-highest peak of the pandemic in July 2020, Atkinson said. Six patients require use of the ventilator, compared to eight in July 2020.

This is consistent with a Jan. 4 email from Atkinson, in which he said illness from the Omicron variant seems to be less severe compared to other variants, indicated by the lower number of ventilators in use. 

In that same email, Atkinson said that the Omicron variant is affecting the older population more severely.

East Alabama Health tested 341 patients last weekend, and 147 returned a positive result for a 43% positivity rate. Alabama’s positivity rate is 41%, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health.

Testing 

Auburn University is offering drive-thru testing at the Auburn University Pharmaceutical Care Center at the South Quad parking deck from 1-4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday. There are no available appointments for Wednesday, but there are available appointments on Thursday, as of publication. The University will offer the same testing the following Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 19 and 20. You can register for a drive-thru test here. 

East Alabama Health is offering appointments for symptomatic patients on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays until further notice. You can make an appointment with East Alabama Health by calling 334-528-4968.

Several urgent care facilities in the area also offer walk-in testing. A list of COVID testing locations in the community made by East Alabama Health is available here.

Vaccines

Vaccines are available at most pharmacies and urgent care facilities. Atkinson encouraged everyone who is eligible to get their booster shot as soon as possible. Click here to find a vaccine distribution location near you.

Masks

East Alabama Health updated its policy this weekend to require everyone who enters its hospitals to wear a medical grade mask. Masks are available at all entrances for those who arrive with a cloth mask.

Masks are also required in all Auburn University buildings and transportation.