October 5, 2020 - Like a Scythe
Like a Scythe
October 5, 2020
The daily data in Alabama represented a return to mid-September when cases were low but so were tests. There were 544 cases (incl 67 probables) and 4,995 tests. Both numbers are well below the 7-day averages - i.e. 978 cases and 7,325 tests. The resulting one-day positivity rate (10.9%) caused the weekly average positivity rate to barely budge (12.7% vs 12.8% yesterday).
Confirmed hospitalizations, on the other hand, showed a significant increase for the first time in weeks. There are now 793 inpatients in 103 reporting hospitals statewide, a jump from 735 on Friday. This is the highest number of COVID hospital patients in 2 weeks and the third highest since 9/11. It’s too early to conclude that the trend will continue but it is clearly worrisome after a long period of stable hospitalizations.
The NY Times reported today that White House officials have intervened to block vaccine approval guidelines announced by the FDA two weeks ago. The main sticking point: FDA’s recommendation of two months’ follow-up after conclusion of a clinical trial in order to identify possible side effects. According to a Pew Research survey last week, 51% of Americans say they would definitely or probably get vaccinated to prevent COVID-19 if a vaccine were available today, while 49% say they definitely or probably would not get vaccinated. Intent to get a COVID-19 vaccine has fallen from 72% in May.
Finally, more infections were disclosed at the White House today, as Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany and two of her assistants announced they tested positive, along with three more reporters who covered the Rose Garden ceremony last weekend. John Roberts, the Fox News correspondent, offered his take: “I can’t say that I’m surprised at all because whatever infection and mode of transmission has seized the White House, it has literally gone through that building like a scythe.” Even so, no contact tracing will be conducted on the Rose Garden event.
9/22 - 804
9/23 - 569
9/24 - 1,053
9/25 - 2,452
9/26 - 933
9/27 - 730
9/28 - 662
9/29 - 571
9/30 - 1,147
10/1 - 1,043
10/2 - 954
10/3 - 1,682
10/4 - 789
10/5 - 544