Three Rivers: COVID-19 cases on the rise

Three Rivers Public Health Department (3RPHD) is reporting that COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are on the rise.
“So for a seven-day rolling average, we have averaged just over 69 cases per day,” said Three Rivers Emergency Response Coordinator Caleb Kuddes. said on Tuesday. “There were 382 in our health district in the past seven days which is the highest we’ve had since Jan. 3 and we’re actually approaching close to the high numbers we had last fall at the peak of the pandemic.”
The increases in COVID-19 cases have also stretched hospitals in the health care coalition thin.
“We’re feeling the impact of the cases,” said Brett Richmond, president and CEO of Methodist Fremont Health. “Our ICU (intensive care unit) has been full for almost three weeks now, primarily driven by COVID-19. We’ve had eight to 12 patients in the hospital with COVID on a daily basis for the past few weeks so it is hard.”
There were four new COVID-19 related deaths reported. That brings the total COVID-19 deaths in the district to 155.
Terra Uhing, executive director of Three Rivers, said the public can help prevent the spread of the disease.
“Please stay home if you are sick, consider wearing a mask if you are going to be in crowded places and consider getting a COVID-19 vaccination,” she said. “COVID-19 is still here and with the holidays coming up it is more important now more than ever to not overwhelm our hospital systems.”
The three-county jurisdiction is offering all vaccines at the walk-in clinics (Pfizer, Moderna, J&J and this does include 5-11 doses).
Clinics coming up include:
Friday: Noon to 3:30 p.m., Three Rivers Clinic, 2400 N Lincoln Avenue in Fremont.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to noon, Fremont Public Schools Administration Building, Lenihan Gym 10th and Broad Streets.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunmart Grocery Store, 1036 N Chestnut Street in Wahoo.
Monday: 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Wahoo Senior Center, 235 E 4th Street in Wahoo.
As a reminder, anyone who is 18 and older and received the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine should receive a booster of any of the three available vaccines after at least two months have passed since their initial dose.
As with people vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine, those who received Moderna vaccine should get a booster dose, according to the CDC, if at least six months have passed since they completed their initial course of vaccination, and they are:
• 65 years and older
• Ages 18+ who live in long-term care settings
• Ages 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
• Ages 18+ who live or work in high-risk occupational settings