South Florida Hospitals Report Downward Trend In COVID-19 Patients

By Steve King   

Several hospitals in our area are reporting lower numbers of COVID-19 patients over the last two weeks.

Fla. —

Florida hospitals are reporting a downward trending in COVID-19 patients during the beginning of September.

The Florida Hospital Association reported 12,288 people in Florida are hospitalized with COVID-19, which is 4,262 fewer people than on Aug. 26. Multiple hospitals in South Florida area also reported fewer COVID-19 patients during this time frame.

At Boca Raton Regional Hospital, health leaders said 63 COVID-19 patients are currently being hospitalized, including 15 people in the ICU. About two weeks ago, there were 112 COVID-19 patients at the hospital.

What you need to know: Tracking COVID-19 in Florida: Tracking cases, vaccinations and more

However, they said people should keep this latest trend in perspective.

“Last year, we were around 80 at our max and now we’re at 63. We’re not too far from that from what we were saying was a really high surge last year so keep it in perspective,” said Dr. Samer Fahmy, the chief medical officer for Boca Raton Regional Hospital.”Yes, we’re better than we were two weeks ago but we’re still not out of the woods.”

Fahmy said the lower numbers in the last two weeks are because of higher vaccination rates in the community and more natural immunity among the previously infected.

“The vaccine offers you tremendous protection, and that’s what we should be getting,” Fahmy said. “If you do have an infection with COVID and you do recover from it, natural immunity does offer you some protection and I think both of those together is what is leading to this decline.”

He also noted the majority of the younger hospital admissions are people who are unvaccinated. He said most vaccinated patients are over 75 years old.

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“If you’re vaccinated, young and healthy the chances of you ending up in the hospital and dying from COVID is very small,” Fahmy said.

He said his staff and the entire community should remain vigilant.

“We’re optimistic but we’re exhausted. We’ve seen a lot of death. We’ve seen a lot of suffering over the last month and a half and it takes its emotional toll on you,” Fahmy said. “We are sensing a bit of positivity over the last week. It is a chance to exhale but it’s not a reason to let our guard down.”

ℹ Florida COVID-19 Update for September 9, 2021

🚨 Total Confirmed Hospitalizations: 12,735 pic.twitter.com/xaxlw2uB3V

— Florida Hospital Association (@FLHospitalAssn) September 9, 2021

South Florida hospitals

Cleveland Clinic Treasure Coast Locations

“Cleveland Clinic’s hospitals on the Treasure Coast have seen the number of COVID-related hospitalizations decline since the beginning of September. However, the number of hospitalizations remains very high.

“Cleveland Clinic’s Treasure Coast hospitals had 220 COVID-positive patients hospitalized on Sept. 8. By comparison, at the height of this most recent surge in mid-August, our hospitals had a total of 318 patients hospitalized.

“That is a positive trend. However, we are still seeing more COVID hospitalizations than we had in earlier surges. In January 2021, which had previously been the highest surge for COVID hospitalizations, our daily census of COVID-positive patients at Cleveland Clinic’s Treasure Coast hospitals was 123.

“We are not through this most recent surge yet. Continuing to take preventive measures remain the best defense against the virus. This includes getting the COVID-19 vaccine if you have not already, wearing a mask in indoor public spaces, social distancing and observing proper hand hygiene.”

Jupiter Medical Center

Hospital leaders said there were nearly 70 COVID-19 patients two weeks ago, and now there are nearly 50.

Lakeside Medical Center

“Lakeside Medical Center has seen a declining number of COVID-positive patients over the past two weeks and the hospital’s six-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is no longer at capacity. Currently, Lakeside Medical Center is treating 17 patients that are COVID-positive and none of them are vaccinated.”

Lawnwood Regional Medical Center and St. Lucie Medical Center

“Lawnwood Regional Medical Center and St. Lucie Medical Center COVID-19 inpatient census has remained steady in recent weeks. There is a continual flow of patients, including a growing number of younger patients, requiring respiratory support and intensive care.

“The large majority of the COVID-19 patients being treated in our hospitals are unvaccinated. We cannot stress enough the importance of getting vaccinated as it is the safest, most effective way to limit severe illness and prevent the need for hospitalization.”