Beebe Healthcare tightened hospital visitor restrictions as Sussex County and Delaware see an increase in coronavirus hospitalizations and cases.
As of Wednesday night, Delaware reported 116 current hospitalizations up 4 from the previous day, including 22 in critical condition. The number of people in the hospital with complications from the virus had fallen into the 40s in the summer.
While Sussex now has an adequate number of beds, a rise in Covid-19 cases could quickly strain hospital capacity, especially if the normal number of flu cases with complications occur.
Hospitalizations in Sussex County have risen from nine at the end of September to 35 in mid-October. Community spread continues to be an issue, with the rate of positive cases at 10.2 percent compared to the 5.4 percent statewide figure.
Sussex figures have been influenced by multiple tests that occurred after outbreaks tied to the poultry industry, senior week and the restaurant-hospitality industry.
Patients admitted to Beebe’s Margaret H. Rollins Lewes Campus (hospital) will no longer be permitted to have one well visitor. Nursing staff will continue to assist patients with electronic visits via tablets or telephone. Exceptions will continue to be made for patients who are receiving end-of-life care that can or cannot be related to Covid-19.
Emergency department, same-day surgery, and outpatient cardiac catheterization are permitted one well visitor in that area of the hospital for the duration of their visit.
Appointments are still required for all imaging and lab tests at any Beebe Healthcare location, including the Lewes Campus.
“Beebe Healthcare’s goal is to provide a patient-centered environment,” said Dr. David A. CEO, Beebe Healthcare. “Part of this ideal is enabling our patients to connect with and be supported by their loved ones, while maintaining a focus on the safety of everyone at each Beebe care site. This dual focus is especially challenging during the global Covid-19 pandemic, where we do everything possible to stop the spread of the virus. Beebe is a safe place to come for care, in part due to the strict safety measures we’ve put into place.”
Tam has taken to social media to advise coastal Sussex residents on the uptick in cases.
All patients and visitors are required to wear a mask, made of at least two layers, that covers both the mouth and nose. The mask must remain on for the duration of the visit.
Gaiters, bandanas, masks with valves, scarves, and other non-mask face coverings are not permitted inside a Beebe Healthcare facility. The bandana rule that has been in place for some time.
For more information about Beebe Healthcare, visit beebehealthcare.org.
For more Covid-19 including breakdowns by age, sex, race/ethnicity, at the statewide, county, and, in some cases, ZIP code or census tract level: https://myhealthycommunity.dhss.delaware.gov/locations/state
