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Memorial Hospital and Manor CEO, Jim Lambert addressed the Decatur County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday night, where he updated them on current COVID-19 cases and asked them to help encourage the hospital’s Mask Up Program.

Lambert began by explaining to the Board of Commissioners how the hospital has responded to the COVID-19 influx.

Lambert said since COVID-19 hit, they have had 3,200 tests ordered, with 457 positives at the hospital. Lambert said that indicates a 14% positive rate, while the state average is 10%, so Decatur County is a little above the state average.

“In total Decatur County has had 929 cases,” he said.

Decatur County was recently named as a hot spot, however cases have slowed down since then, and Lambert believes the hospital can continue to get the numbers under control and mitigate the problem.

Lambert said currently the hospital has 20 patients on the floor, while six patients are on the ICU unit.

“It’s been challenging on our staff,” Lambert said. “But, the state has provided us with some locum tenens nurses staff to help take care of patients locally.”

Lambert said originally the hospital had been transferring patients, however due to the rise in cases, area hospitals are no longer taking patients because they are all full.

“We’ve gotten some stimulus dollars, which we have used for new ventilating machines, additional beds, and other critical respiratory equipment,” Lambert said. “And the staff is working very hard every day, we are proud of everyone’s efforts.”

One of the new programs that has been initiated is the #MaskupGA campaign with a partnership with the CIDC. “The purpose of the #MaskupGA campaign is to promote and educate the community on the value of wearing a mask”, said Mr. Lambert.

To get this initiative off the ground, the Memorial Hospital and Manor is looking to partner with the Decatur County Board of Commissioners, Bainbridge-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce, the City of Bainbridge, and the CIDC in spreading the message.