COVID-19 cases are on the rise across the country. How is Pensacola faring?

Although the COVID-19 public health emergency ended in May, people continue to get sick from the virus and some hospitals are seeing a slight increase in cases.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hospitalizations due to COVID-19 are up 18.8% nationwide. That's an uptick of about 15,000 cases across the country, according to the most recent report from last week.

The CDC reports deaths due to COVID-19 are up 21.4% nationwide, bringing the total number of deaths since Jan 1, 2020, to 1,138,602.

You can find the latest data on COVID-19 on the CDC's website, COVID Data Tracker.

Pensacola area COVID cases

In Pensacola, Baptist Health Care reports a "slight increase" in the number of patients who have tested for COVID-19. The late-summer wave is hitting just as students head back to school and flu season begins.

"This type of fluctuation is not uncommon during this time of year since schools are now back in session," said Carmela Cook, public relations manager with Baptist Health Care. "We will continue to monitor the situation closely. To help avoid an increase in cases locally, we urge individuals to stay home if feeling sick, cover coughs, wash hands often and wear masks around others. Vaccination continues to be the most effective way to reduce the spread and severity of COVID-19 infection."

Staff at HCA Florida West Hospital say they have not seen any increases in emergency room visits or hospitalizations due to COVID-19, but it's a situation medical staff continue to watch.

According to the Florida Department of Health, symptoms of illness range from mild to severe. They appear two to 14 days after exposure and commonly include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

COVID-19 cases on the rise: Florida sees summer surge in COVID-19 cases. Here's why and a look at the latest guidelines

The FDOH says many people infected by COVID-19 who report a mild case can recover at home, but warn that adults 65 and older and those with underlying medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease are more likely to develop serious illness.

In Escambia County, the Florida Department of Health offers free COVID-19 vaccinations to those who are eligible, by appointment only, at 1295 W. Fairfield Drive. You can make an appointment Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You can also call 850-595-6554 or visit Escambia FDOH website for more information.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Escambia County sees slight increase in COVID-19 cases