Number of COVID-positive patients in area ICUs again drops below 100

By , Daily Memphian Updated: August 28, 2020 11:26 AM CT | Published: August 28, 2020 11:26 AM CT
<strong>Medical assistant Jasmine King swabs a drive-thru patient as staff from Christ Community Health Services administer COVID-19 tests at a tent behind the South Memphis clinic on March 21, 2020</strong>. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian file)

Medical assistant Jasmine King swabs a drive-thru patient as staff from Christ Community Health Services administer COVID-19 tests at a tent behind the South Memphis clinic on March 21, 2020. (Jim Weber/Daily Memphian file)

For the second time this week, the number of COVID-positive patients in area intensive care unit beds dropped below 100. 

The total number of patients in area hospital beds is 244, as of 5 p.m. Thursday, August 27, according to Tennessee’s Healthcare Resource Tracking System. 

About 26% of area ICU patients were either COVID-positive (94) or suspected of having the virus (3), according to the HRTS data. 

And, about 8% of area acute care patients were either COVID-positive (150) or suspected of having the virus (31).

According to the same HRTS data, 87% of ICU beds and 89% of acute care beds were in use at area hospitals. The day prior those percentages were 87% of ICU beds and 81% of acute care beds.

There were 280 ICU and 54 acute care beds available in area hospitals.

The Shelby County Health Department reported 149 new coronavirus cases and five new related deaths on Friday, Aug. 28.

Those 149 new cases come from 1,753 tests, giving the day a positivity rate of 8.5%.

Shelby County’s reported total is now 27,052 coronavirus cases and 375 deaths.

The Tennessee Department of Health reports statewide coronavirus figures at 2 p.m. daily.

As of Thursday, Aug. 27, the agency reported 149,179 coronavirus cases including 1,673 deaths, 6,677 hospitalizations and 111,416 recoveries. 

More than 2.1 million coronavirus tests have been administered in Tennessee. 

Editor’s Note: The Daily Memphian is making our coronavirus coverage accessible to all readers — no subscription needed. Our journalists continue to work around the clock to provide you with the extensive coverage you need; if you can subscribe, please do

Topics

coronavirus Shelby County Health Department Tennessee Department of Health Tennessee Healthcare Resource Tracking System
Elle Perry

Elle Perry

A native Memphian, Elle Perry has earned graduate degrees from the University of Memphis and Maryland Institute College of Art. She’s written for publications including the Memphis Business Journal, Memphis Flyer and High Ground News, and previously served as coordinator of The Teen Appeal.


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