COVID hospitalizations on Space Coast increase as cases remain high
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 data showed an uptick in hospitalizations and continued elevation in case rates on the Space Coast.
Hospitalizations increased by 21.60%, according to a CDC analysis of hospital data in Brevard County. There were 36 new COVID-19 hospital admissions countywide from May 3 to May 10. From April 28 to May 4, there were 23 COVID-19 hospital admissions.
CDC data also showed that COVID-19 cases on the Space Coast remained elevated but did not increase dramatically.
COVID testing: FDOH in Brevard turns COVID-19 testing over to the private sector as infections rise
Last week's report: COVID-19 cases on Space Coast double since last Florida Health Department report
From May 7 to May 11, there were 144.53 cases per 100,000 population in Brevard County, which translates to 870 total cases in that time period. Last Friday, the Florida Department of Health reported a case rate of 142 cases per 100,000 population in its bi-weekly COVID-19 updates. And of those who took a COVID-19 test, 11.52% tested positive. This marks a 2% increase compared to last weeks FDOH new case positivity rate of 9.3%.
However, there could be far more infections in the community than is tracked because at-home test kit results go unreported and not everyone who is symptomatic takes a COVID-19 test.
Brevard County is still considered a community of low transmission, according to CDC guidelines, even as more counties in Florida moved into the medium transmission category this past week, according to a CDC community level map.
The CDC calculates transmission levels through a combination of hospitalizations and case rates. If case rates and hospitalizations continue to increase on the Space Coast, Brevard County may soon become a community of medium transmission.
AS the total COVID-19 death toll on the Space Coast nears 2,000 deaths, compared to the previous reporting period, deaths decreased. From April 30 to May 7, one person died of COVID-19, according to provisional CDC data.
Experts have warned that the best way to protect against hospitalization and death is to get vaccinated. The percentage of fully vaccinated eligible residents— those ages five and older— remains under 70% in Brevard. Though, 79.6% of eligible Space Coast residents have received at least one dose of a vaccine.
Nationwide, 70.6% of eligible Americans have been fully vaccinated. There have been 82,087,117 COVID-19 cases and 996,376 deaths nationwide since the start of the pandemic.
Where to get vaccinated
The Florida Department of Health is offering COVID-19 vaccines at three sites.
Viera clinic, at 2555 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Those ages 5-11 can get vaccinated only from 8 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Melbourne clinic, 601 E. University Blvd., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Those ages 5-11 can get vaccinated only from 1:30 to 4 p.m. on Friday.
Titusville clinic, 611 N. Singleton Ave., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Those ages 5-11 can get vaccinated only from 1:30 to 4 p.m. on Friday.
Residents also can get vaccinated at Omni Healthcare's offices, as well as at its walk-in vaccination clinic located in Suite 303 on the third floor of 1344 S. Apollo Blvd. in Melbourne, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Vaccinations also are available from 9 a.m. to noon in Suite 2C of Omni's 1344 S. Apollo Blvd. complex.
Walk-ins are accepted. But appointments can be made by calling 321-802-5515 or by emailing the request and including a name and phone number to COVID@OMNIhealthcare.com.
COVID-19 vaccines also are available at pharmacies at various local CVS, Publix, Sam’s Club, Walgreens, Walmart and Winn-Dixie stores, as well as some urgent-care centers and physician offices. Check the individual site for appointment requirements and vaccine availability.
Amira Sweilem is the Data Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Sweilem at 386-406-5648 or asweilem@floridatoday.com.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Brevard County coronavirus hospitalizations rise
