Topline
Alabama's top health official issued a dire warning Friday about its fight against Covid-19, saying that he was unsure how long it will be able sustain efforts against the rapidly growing disease. With hospitals already overwhelmed and no end in sight, he said.
A nurse visits a patient with Covid-19. AFP via Getty Images
The Key Facts
Alabama State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris stated at a Friday morning briefing, that patients are being treated in hospital corridors and on stretchers because there are 40 more Covid-19 patients than the number of staffed ICU beds. Harris stated that 2,879 coronavirus victims were in hospital as of Thursday. This included 45 children, at least five of which were on ventilators. Harris said that deaths have been increasing after an expected delay, and there isn't enough space to hold all the bodies. Harris stated that two mobile morgues, which are used in the event of mass casualty events, have been sent to Mobile and Baldwin. This is the first time since the outbreak of the pandemic that the state has taken this measure. Harris explained that this is the current situation in Alabama hospitals. He said that two mobile morgues, which are used in case of a mass casualty event, have been deployed to the affected counties of Mobile and Baldwin. Harris expressed frustration at the inability to provide universal masking or widespread vaccinations, saying that they would help ease the crisis.
Important Quote
This situation cannot continue. We must do everything possible to end it. Harris stated that Harris doesn't know how long they will be able continue this. A lot of what we are seeing can be prevented.
Surprising Fact
Harris seemed emotional during the briefing. The shift away from data-driven medical analysis was highlighted by local news outlets.
Important Background
Alabama, one of the least vaccined states in the nation, has been fighting the worst Covid-19 epidemics. According to The New York Times data, Alabama is second in hospitalizations with 60 per 100,000 residents. This number has increased 25% over the past week, which was a result of an increase in Covid-19 outbreaks. The number of deaths has also increased by 26% over the past 14 days, averaging 27 per day. Harris stated that 50 deaths were reported on Thursday. Although vaccinations are increasing, only 37% of residents have been fully vaccinated. Only 49% have received at least one dose. Alabama Governor. Kay Ivey stated earlier this week that it was not politically to omit these steps. Ivey stated that we don't need a mandate for masks, nor do we need any mandate from the state.
