November 19, 2020 - Pandemics that Reshape the World
Pandemics that Reshape the World
November 19, 2020
It is 8:00 pm central time as I write this letter and our nation is in the midst of another record-setting day. With several states yet to report, the United States has already witnessed at least 192,000 new cases and we are within striking distance of 200,000 cases in a single day for the first time during this pandemic.
Just think about that for a moment - Alabama has had 225,000 overall cases since the beginning of this pandemic. It is as if the United States is adding nearly as many positive cases in one day as Alabama has seen in the last 8 months. From Illinois (14,612) to Texas (14,265), from North Carolina (4,296) to New Mexico (3,665), records for daily cases are being shattered everywhere.
In addition, with at least 2,011 more COVID-related deaths today (and more states left to report), we have exceeded a national milestone (2,000+ per day) that was last seen on May 7, more than 6 months ago. Alabama set its own new marker with the announcement that 72 of its citizens perished from this disease, following 46 deaths yesterday and 52 more on Tuesday.
In terms of new cases, Alabama added 2,424 today (incl. 586 probables), pushing the 7-day rolling average to 2,182 cases per day. There was also a spike in tests (15,049), resulting in a one-day positivity rate of 16.1% and a 7-day rolling average rate of 19.34%. I suspect that this spike in tests will not last, but hope springs eternal.
ADPH received reports from 106 hospitals having a total of 1,315 statewide patients, an increase of 28 patients over yesterday’s total, with 4 fewer hospitals reporting. This is the highest level of COVID patients in our State since August 16.
Friends, with holidays approaching, this crisis is deepening. History shows that past pandemics have reshaped societies in profound ways. Hundreds of millions of people have died from pandemics. Empires have fallen and generations have been annihilated. This pandemic may leave a permanent mark on our country if we allow it. The first and most important step out of this mess is simple: wear your mask and encourage your friends and family to do the same. The totals:
11/6 - 1556
11/7 - 1768
11/8 - 1205
11/9 - 1190
11/10 - 1720
11/11 - 2070
11/12- 2000
11/13 - 2980
11/14 - 2226
11/15 - 1979
11/16 - 1410
11/17 - 1616
11/18 - 2638
11/19 - 2424
With 405 new cases, Jefferson County fell just short of the record it set on November 13. Madison (141), Shelby (127), Mobile 132) and Tuscaloosa (127) counties also exceeded 100 cases for the day. North Alabama is especially hurting right now - Limestone (75 cases); DeKalb (83); Lauderdale (91); and Etowah (88) are near the breaking point.