August 28, 2020 - Dickens Had It Right
Dickens Had It Right
August 28, 2020
Charles Dickens once wrote, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness …” The same could be said today. Let’s start with the “best of times”.
Hospitalizations - this all-important statistic gives us reason for hope. Only 1,002 current COVID-19 patients reported statewide by 102 hospitals is our lowest number since July 5. This is a big deal. Ever since our peak of 1,605 patients on July 29, we have seen a steady improvement throughout the month of August. DCH Hospital in Tuscaloosa reported just 55 COVID patients, its lowest total since peaking at 106 on August 4. Then again, hospitalizations are a lagging indicator.
As for the “worst of times”, there were 1,162 more cases today (incl. 233 probables) and only 7,821 tests. The resulting 7-day average positivity rate -15.23% - is higher than all but 5 states posted yesterday. This rate is far higher than the 7.33% rate we hit on August 20. After averaging 816 “probables” per day for 4 consecutive days, the probables were more in line today. I’ve said enough about probables but I want to refer you to an excellent tweet from Kyle Whitmire, explaining what ADPH has to say about the subject:
. Bottom line: probable cases are important and should be included, as I have always maintained.
We certainly live in an “age of foolishness.” Exhibit A - five days after releasing initial test results, the University of Alabama revealed that 1,043 students have now tested positive since classes resumed. Fully 36% of the beds set aside for quarantined students are now occupied, up from 19% on Monday. The University was recently designated the biggest party school in the nation by Princeton Review. Unfortunately, that designation has a major downside when the coronavirus is on the prowl. It’s a good thing DCH has lots of available beds.
Finally, it is also an “age of wisdom”. For that, I want to thank all of the wonderful people on FB who have shown wisdom, patience and respect for others by wearing masks and observing appropriate physical distances. It has been a long 6 months but the vast majority continue to do the right thing. Hats off to all of you! The totals:
8/15 - 1,271
8/16 - 853
8/17 - 571
8/18 - 1,358
8/19 - 1,117
8/20 - 971
8/21 - 1,183
8/22 - 900
8/23 - 528
8/24 - 1,650
8/25 - 532
8/26 - 2,012
8/27 - 1,769
8/28 - 1,162
Jefferson (150), Tuscaloosa (70), Shelby (66) and Lee (60) counties led the way with the most new cases today.