October 6, 2020 - White House on Fire
White House on Fire
October 6, 2020
Alabama saw 764 new cases of COVID-19 today (incl. 132 probables), for a 7-day average of 989 per day. There were also 5,335 tests, well below the 7-day average of 7,588 tests per day. The resulting one-day positivity rate of 14.3% caused the 7-day average to tick down to 12.6% (compared to 12.7% yesterday).
After several days of rising hospitalizations, I’m pleased to say that the number of statewide hospital patients declined from 793 to 765, with the same number of hospitals reporting (103). It is noteworthy, however, that DCH Medical Center in Tuscaloosa now has 71 COVID patients, up from 45 patients on September 22.
Auburn University reported 21 infections among students, faculty and staff or the week ending October 4. Unfortunately, Auburn did not disclose the number of tests conducted for the same period. In a national story reported by National Public Radio today, data from more than 1,400 U.S. colleges show that more than 2 out of 3 colleges with in-person classes either have no clear testing plan or are testing only students who are at risk — mostly when they feel sick or have had contact with someone who has tested positive for the coronavirus. Experts say that because up to 40%of people with the coronavirus do not show symptoms, frequent and rapid testing of large numbers of students is the best way to fend off major outbreaks on campuses.
The Pentagon announced today that Adm. Charles Ray, Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard, tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday. The infection was traced to a White House event last week attended by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, including Chairman Milley, all of whom will be quarantined for 14 days. Attorney General Barr also announced he will be self-quarantining for an undisclosed period of time after being exposed to the virus.
Finally, in a late-breaking release just 12 minutes ago, White House aide Stephen Miller announced he too has tested positive. He is the latest official caught up in an outbreak at the White House that has seen at least 10 others, test positive.
Here are the totals:
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
10/6 - 764
Among the 10 most populous counties in the State, 14-day positivity rates range from 16.91% (Morgan) down to 9.84% (Jefferson). Only 9 counties in the State have rates below 10%.