Sheridan County case count increases by 34 as SMH resources stretch thin

Sheridan Media printed a story on it’s website dated Aug. 24, 2021 entitled “Another 21 positive cases in Sheridan County in 24 hours”. Due to a misunderstanding, within the story it was stated that to date, no vaccinated individuals have been hospitalized in Sheridan County due to COVID-19, this is untrue. A number of weeks ago Sheridan Memorial Hospital had two patients hospitalized due to the virus who were, in fact, vaccinated. Currently one individual is hospitalized who has received the vaccination. 

Sheridan Media regrets this misunderstanding in communication. Sheridan Media’s team of reporters work with the utmost integrity and intention to bring it’s listeners and subscribers the most accurate and timely information as possible.    

Sheridan Memorial Hospital CEO Mike McCafferty and Chief Nursing Officer Barb Hespen. 

Sheridan County adds another 34 positive cases over the last 24 hours to the total of 2,899 cases in the county since the pandemic began. 

According to COVID-19 Public Information Officer Jennifer Graves, there are now 159 positive lab confirmed cases and 51 probable cases active in Sheridan County.

Currently, according to Graves, 14 patients are hospitalized suffering from the virus. Sheridan County has experienced 33 deaths resulting from COVID-19. 

Sixteen patients have recovered from the virus in the last 24 hours. 

The CDC lists Sheridan County’s level of community transmission as HIGH. The Wyoming Department of Health reports that as of Aug. 23, Sheridan County’s vaccination level is at 37%.

Leadership at Sheridan Memorial Hospital are growing concerned as hospitals in the surrounding area are closing their doors to potential transfers due to overcrowding from the virus. 

SMH CEO Mike McCafferty.

With staff stretched thin due to increasing cases and hospitalizations, SMH has had to once again alter the visitation policy at the facility. 

SMH Chief Nursing Officer Barb Hespen. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vaccines continue to reduce a person’s risk of contracting the virus that causes COVID-19, including the Delta variant. Vaccines are highly effective against severe illness, but the Delta variant causes more infections and spreads faster than earlier forms of the virus that causes COVID-19. 

Evidence has shown that vaccinated people can also spread the Delta variant, sometimes without knowing it. The vaccines have shown to greatly reduce the symptoms of COVID-19 and in rare cases, vaccinated breakthrough cases may be infected and asymptomatic. 

To help prevent contracting and possible spread of the Delta variant by vaccinated individuals, follow the guidelines set by the CDC found here.