Number of active coronavirus cases drop as SMH prepares for possible vaccine

During a briefing Sheridan Memorial Hospital CEO Mike McCafferty reported a drop in the active coronavirus cases reported by the hospital.

On Nov. 23, the WHD reported a total of 489 active lab confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Sheridan County, as of Dec. 3, that number has fallen to 189. Sheridan County’s mandate went into effect on Nov. 18, and will expire Dec. 4.

McCafferty thanked the Sheridan County community for adhering to guidelines. 

According to Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Addlesperger, there is really no way to determine if the mask mandate, social distancing, or other guidelines were the determining factor in the drop of active cases, but the science of face coverings and their use has become more reliable. 

SMH is prepared for a possible surge in cases should one occur after the holiday season. Staff are anticipating an increase in active cases post holidays and therefore a possible increase in hospitalizations, McCafferty said. 

As of Dec. 3, SMH is caring for 11 COVID-19 patients with four of those in the intensive care unit. Currently the hospital has 30 staff members unable to work or isolated due to COVID-19.  

That number of staff being absent from the hospital is a concern but in no way debilitating to operations. According to Addlesperger, the real concern lies with more specialized staff becoming infected. 

Following the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, SMH staff have been preparing a process to administer a possible vaccine should one become available in the coming weeks.   

The hospital’s COVID-19 Information and Resource webpage has become the third most visited page on the site, with only the homepage and staff portal receiving more traffic.