AdventHealth: COVID-19 Hospitalizations Up Slightly

Daytona Beach, FL – The number of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 is up slightly, according to a new report from AdventHealth. That report says there are about 240 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 across the healthcare provider’s facilities in seven Central Florida counties. In an email, AdventHealth stated that they are ready for the increase, which so far remains significantly lower than the increase in hospitalizations witnessed during the Delta surge, which peaked in August with about 1,700 patients. In their network of Centra Care Urgent Care facilities, their statewide daily positivity rate reached 39 percent earlier this week, mimicking an increase in transmission across the country. The previous statewide high for Centra Care was about 28 percent in July during the Delta surge. But while the number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients is on the rise, physicians are saying, based on CDC guidelines, that you don’t need to immediately get tested if you are exposed to COVID-19. Especially if you are asymptomatic. “There’s probably no reason to get tested right now,” said Dr. Neil Finkler, chief clinical officer for AdventHealth Central Florida. “You can quarantine yourself for five days. And based on the CDC recommendations, if you’re asymptomatic you don’t need to get tested at all.” But that doesn’t mean you can skip getting vaccinated. Doctors say the community’s best defense against the more contagious Omicron variant is for those who haven’t received COVID-19 booster shots, to get them. “Those who get boosted will have a dramatic reduction in the need for hospitalization,” said Dr. Finkler. “Get yourself boosted, get your loved ones boosted. It’s the No. 1 thing you can do.” Finkler is also recommending that people keep their New Year’s gatherings small, and preferably outdoors. As always, it is recommended that you wear a mask, wash your hands, and keep your distance to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Helpful Links COVID-19 Testing Locations in Florida Monoclonal Treatment Sites in Florida Florida Department of Health COVID-19 Vaccine Locator