Prisma Health sees ‘downward trend’ in COVID-19 patients, warns of Labor Day spike

Prisma Health hospitals have seen a decrease in the number of COVID-19 inpatients, but the holiday weekend could disrupt that trend, a doctor warned.

“There are plenty of folks who may go to large gatherings, parades, picnics,” and be at risk for contracting the coronavirus, Dr. Steve Shelton said during a virtual news conference on Wednesday. Shelton is an emergency department doctor at Prisma Health Richland, and has helped lead the health system’s COVID-19 response.

He pointed to previous upticks in South Carolina, such as after Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. When people gathered in groups for the holidays, the virus spread and “stressed” the health system, Shelton said. The state’s top epidemiologist, Dr. Linda Bell, issued a similar warning on Aug. 21 about how Labor Day events could contribute to case counts.

While the number of coronavirus cases reported each day in South Carolina has decreased, the percentage of tests returning positive is at 19.6%, a figure that indicates the virus is still spreading. At least 2,652 people have died of the virus in South Carolina, according to the Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Prisma Health had 110 COVID-19 patients in its hospitals on Sept. 2, down from 150 inpatients the previous week — a hopeful sign of progress, according to Shelton.

The health system has treated more than 2,300 COVID-19 patients in its hospitals since the outbreak began in March, he said. Doctors, nurses and staff have learned a lot in six months.

“We have learned how to manage patients efficiently. We’ve learned a lot about how infectious and contagious this virus is. We have learned our team members step up,” Shelton said.

Hospital staff have streamlined the process for putting infectious patients in “cohorts” to keep them away from those with other conditions. The understanding of various treatments has also increased over time. Some therapies have become common, such as using everyday steroids to counteract the harmful immune response associated with severe COVID-19.

Prisma Health is also participating in a clinical trial to determine the effectiveness of remdesivir, an antiviral drug, against COVID-19.

Still, there are likely more challenges on the way, Shelton said. As fall sets in, schools reopen, the University of South Carolina monitors its outbreaks — which have infected more than 1,000 students — and regular flu season arrives, cases could rebound, he said. It’s important to get a flu vaccine and keep taking “common sense” preventive measures, such as wearing masks, keeping physical distance and washing hands thoroughly.

“It is a challenging time right now and there is fatigue out there right now associated with it, but let’s not let our guard down. We’re seeing great progress,” he said.