Thirty-eight more cases of COVID over the weekend, SMH asking for patience

Sheridan County adds another 38 positive COVID-19 cases over the weekend. 

According to COVID-19 Public Information Officer Jennifer Graves the total lab confirmed case count is now at 3,502 and probable cases are now at 1,008 since the pandemic began.

There are currently 174 active cases in the Sheridan County community. Sheridan County has experienced the deaths of 39 residents from the virus. 

Currently, there are 13 residents hospitalized suffering from the virus. Since Friday, 71 residents have recovered from COVID-19. 

Hospitals all over the region are experiencing overcrowded intensive care units and some have been forced to move patients into emergency units to make space. 

Sheridan Memorial Hospital has experienced the same overcrowding situations, but the trend ebbs and flows. Staff are constantly checking situations at other hospitals in the region, requiring information on possible incoming or outgoing transfers. Staff work long hours and are often the last person someone sees before succumbing to the virus. The stress on staff (who have been battling the virus for over a year) has been significant. 

SMH Chief Nursing Officer Barb Hespen said staff are working rotating shifts. This prevents any one staff member from being exposed to COVID-19 repeatedly over the course of days. 

The Pastors United in Christ visited the hospital last week. The group took the time to walk through and talk with SMH staff, checking on mental health and stress levels. 

With the influx of COVID-19 patients –SMH continues testing an average of 70 residents a day for COVID-19– other departments may have longer wait times. SMH CEO Mike McCafferty is asking the public for patience. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to list Sheridan County’s level of community transmission as HIGH.

More COVID-19 information is available at www.sheridancounty.com/covid-19/.