Coronavirus Patient Numbers Increasing Daily At UAB

BIRMINGHAM, AL — One of the statistics cited by Mayor Randall Woodfin this week when he pushed for Birmingham's shelter-in-place order was the increasing number of coronavirus patients at UAB Hospital, which sparked concern over running out of beds, resources and medical supplies if the virus continues to spread.

UAB reported Wednesday morning that currently 60 patients are being treated at the hospital for COVID-19, half of whom are using ventilators. That patient number increased more than 30 percent in just 24 hours. At that rate, many medical officials fear hospitals will not be able to accommodate the rising numbers.

According to the Alabama Hospital Association, the state currently has 1,344 ventilators in all of its hospitals. As of Wednesday afternoon, 282 cases of coronavirus had been confirmed in the state out of 2,812 people tested. Of those 282 cases, 99 are in Jefferson County.

Don't miss the latest coronavirus updates from health and government officials in Alabama. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters for what you need to know daily.

UAB Emergency Management Committee chair Dr. Sarah Nafziger said in a news conference Wednesday that the outlook for this situation is still unknown and that the exponential increase in patients will put a strain on the state's medical resources.

"It is known to us, as leaders of UAB Medicine, that we will have to make some very difficult decisions in the coming days and weeks," Nafziger said. "We ask for your cooperation, and we ask for your prayers for our health care workers as we face this unprecedented event."

Nafziger added, "Evidence is overwhelming that Jefferson County, and beyond, is, and has been, experiencing rapid community spread of COVID-19. This is a dangerous situation that our community needs to take seriously. Everyone has an important responsibility right now to save lives."

UAB Hospital has a total of 1,150 beds. The hospital would reach capacity within weeks if the number of COVID-19 patients continues to rise at the current rate.

SEE ALSO:

3 Birmingham Restaurants To Close Permanently
UAB To Begin Coronavirus Testing Monday
Coronavirus: Non-Essential Jefferson County Businesses To Close