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There are some people who seem determined not to believe any COVID-19 data—“It’s all fake.” I think that group is actually pretty small. Most people are reading, examining, and trying to stay informed. There’s lots out there. For transparency, here’s the numbers we’re looking at:
In the last two days we’ve had 3,182 cases reported. In Mississippi, our hospitalization rate is about 17%. That’s about 541 hospitalizations. Right now, we have 942 Mississippians hospitalized total. And our hospital system is already stressed.
Several Mississippi hospitals have zero ICU beds available now. They are being forced to cancel money-making elective procedures.
I see a lot of people pointing to the high survival rate with COVID-19. That’s an important data point to consider. But the risk has always been to our health care system. As beds fill up, no patient gets the care they need—Coronavirus, heart attack... Overwhelmed is overwhelmed.
We can surge capacity—but not to the point of success if cases continue climbing this quickly. I’m pushing hospitals to do more, but there’s a finite number of good doctors. You don’t want an intern handling your heart attack because the rest of the staff is overwhelmed.
You may think that getting COVID-19 is no big deal unless you’re elderly. It’s not just about you being tougher than COVID. Right now, there are two ICU beds available in the entire area surrounding Jackson. It’s a bad day for a car wreck in central MS. That affects us all.
I’m sure people can make numbers say anything. But I’m telling you: several hospitals in Mississippi are turning patients away because they are full. This isn’t a theory any more. It’s happening.
I have ZERO incentive to spread fear about this virus. It loses us money, makes my job harder, and puts me in a terrible spot. It’s never popular to ask people to sacrifice. There is only one reason for me to share these graphic warnings: trying to prevent mass death.
Please wear a mask to prevent more spread. Avoid large social gatherings. Just be smart, and do little things. All the evidence says it makes a difference if people just make an effort. Nothing is a magic solution, but everything helps.