CRMC COVID hospitalizations hit record numbers

COOKEVILLE – With the Christmas surge still to come, Cookeville Regional Medical Center (CRMC) set a record number of COVID-19 patients on Sunday with 87 positive patients and two pending results. The ICU had 16 COVID patients with seven on ventilators.

Today, the number has dropped slightly to 80 positive inpatients with three pending. COVID patients now occupy 36.7% of the beds at CRMC and slightly more, 38.1%, of the available ICU beds, with hospital officials stressing that they are still able to accommodate patients. 

CRMC has now treated 1,058 COVID inpatients with an 88.8% recovery rate. 

Physicians are still reminding the public that Bamlavinimab is available seven days a week at CRMC as a preventative treatment to help high-risk patients who test positive for COVID-19 avoid hospitalization. 

Those at high risk include people who meet any of the following: over 65 years of age, BMI over 35, have diabetes mellitus, kidney disease or any immunosuppressive disease or under immunosuppresive treatment. Those 55 or older with one or more or the following, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, COPD or chronic lung disease, also qualify.

Since last Wednesday, Dec. 23, there have been five COVID deaths at CRMC with three from Putnam County, one from White County and one from Clay County. CRMC’s total death count now stands at 119.

CRMC continues to emphasize the use of masks and social distancing when it is necessary to be out in public.

Michelle Price is the former managing editor of the Upper Cumberland Business Journal and can be reached via email. Send an email.

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