Huntsville leaders update coronavirus response on Tuesday
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) - Madison County officials updated the public on Tuesday from the Huntsville City Council Chambers.
Earlier on Tuesday, the ADPH reported Madison County’s first confirmed positive test for coronavirus. The state has a total of 36 current cases. A resident of Limestone County tested positive for COVID-19 previously
Huntsville Hospital CEO David Spillers spoke about the positive case in Madison County in his opening remarks.
“As mentioned we did have one confirmed case here in Madison County” said Spillers. “That patient was in one of our emergency departments but I can’t tell you which department at this time.”
Spillers also mentioned that a new urgent care facility is in the process of being opened in the Huntsville area. The facility will focus on respiratory issues and test for coronavirus as needed.
Jon Howell, CEO Huntsville Emergency Medical Services, Inc., detailed that his organization had responded to 20 events where patients presented with symptoms of coronavirus.
“We are experiencing really no more call volume than normal” said Howell. “There is a significant amount of flu in our area and respiratory illness. So our call volume is already high.”
As of 11 a.m. on Monday, a total of 33 hospital inpatients were awaiting COVID-19 test results at Huntsville Hospital Health System facilities. Test results are generally available within 24 hours from the state lab
All Huntsville Hospital Health System campuses continue to restrict visitation. Each patient can have a maximum of two visitors, and children under 16 are not allowed to visit except under extraordinary circumstances. Hospital volunteers and vendors have been told to stay home, and student shadowing programs have been suspended until further notice. More restrictions may be placed on visitation in the coming days to protect our patients and staff.
The blood supply in Madison County is adequate for now, but LifeSouth Community Blood Centers has donor centers at Huntsville Hospital and Madison Hospital.
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