BUCYRUS—Chris Adler, Emergency Preparedness Director for Avita Healthcare, says the past four weeks have been the most impacted by Covid since the pandemic began. The acuity is much higher, with Avita Bucyrus at 162% capacity. Ventilator use is at 200% capacity. Adler said that distrust of the vaccine is the real epidemic. Of current Covid hospitalizations, 89% are unvaccinated, and 11% are vaccinated. Interestingly enough, those vaccinated and suffering from Covid seem to have received their vaccinations between January and February of this year. There is no data regarding the vaccine’s efficacy.
Within the Avita system overall (8 regions), bed capacity averages at 115% total capacity.
Positive tests are surging at a 25% positivity rate. When not in a surge, positive tests usually run 10-12%.
Of all the Avita hospital beds in the 8 region area in Ohio, 18% are Covid patients, 28% are in the ICU, and 37% of those patients are on ventilators.
In the Avita Health System, 52% of overall Covid deaths this year to date occurred in September.
In Crawford County, the rate was 41%, Richland County 40%, and Morrow County 38%. Deaths from Covid have increased in the last year to a whopping 511%. Recently the U. S. Covid death rate has surpassed that of the Spanish Flu of 1918. Adler said he expects Covid to come in its third wave next year mimicking the Spanish Flu.
Adler acknowledged that many people distrust the vaccine. He urges everyone with questions to talk with their trusted healthcare provider about the benefits of the vaccine as well as if the vaccine is right for them.
Avita Health System is not mandating their employees to be vaccinated and doesn’t see that happening unless it becomes federal law.
“We are pro-choice regarding the vaccine, but we are anti mandatory. We promote patient care. To make the vaccine mandatory could compromise that care.” Adler said.