Three of the last four weeks of data show that Jennie Stuart's ratio of COVID-19 patients to total beds was at or above the 20% threshold that puts a hospital under “extreme stress.” For the most recent week available, the ratio of 16%.
On Saturday, carry-out customers dined on boxed meals inside The Village Restaurant's parking lot tent at Canton Street and Navajo Trail. Two sides of the tent were still open only partially — the main point of dispute between the owners and health officials.
The letter, which is signed by Jennie Stuart CEO Eric Lee, Medical Staff President Michael Murray and Medical Group Vice President Keith Toms, pleads with the public to take extra measures to be diligent in the fight against coronavirus in order to avoid a "situation where hospitals are full."
In light of an escalation in COVID-19 cases and state recommendations to avoid activities that could result in more infections, officials decided to put the celebration on hold for a year.
On most days, the public’s knowledge of COVID-19 patients in the Hopkinsville hospital is limited to the number who are being treated, but Wallace's son wanted to share more so his story might help people understand how dangerous the virus can be.
Public health officials are urging the public to take precautions to slow the spread of coronavirus so the health care system doesn't become more overwhelmed than it already is.