Cone Health officials are warning that the number of COVID patients in their hospitals is rising, and they're urging more residents to get vaccinated and wear masks to help turn the numbers around.
At the start of the year, before vaccines became widespread, upwards of 250 people were hospitalized at Cone hospitals because of the pandemic. By early July, that figure had dropped to seven.
But the numbers are on the rise, says Michael DeWitt, a senior data scientist at Cone Health. There are now about 50 people hospitalized and it's doubling every two weeks.
DeWitt says we already know how to solve the problem.
“Vaccinations are safe, they're effective, they're incredibly effective at keeping people out of the hospital," he says. "And really that is the big solution. Get the vaccine, tell everyone you know to get the vaccine and also adopt the three Ws in the meantime.”
Those three Ws are wearing a mask, washing hands and waiting while keeping a distance.
Cone officials say anyone over 12 should get the vaccine if possible. Family members of younger children should be vaccinated to help protect them.