Sentinel staff report–
The number of patients with COVID-19 in area hospitals has continued to steadily drop since April, according to data tracked and published by Sacramento County health officials.
The latest data from the Sacramento County Public Health department, updated May 20, shows a current total of just 11 hospitalized cases and four ICU cases. Compared to last month, cases have dropped from a high of 77 hospitalizations in early April, and a high of 33 ICU cases in mid-April.
The health department’s online COVID-19 dashboard lists surge capacity of available beds at 814, along with 846 ventilators available. There are currently 107 ventilators in use.
According to the latest data on emergency room visits, less than 1% of visits are currently from patients with “corona-like illness.” Seven weeks ago, that number was five times higher.
A total of 1,266 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Sacramento County, with 56 associated deaths reported. Of those cases, a total of 1,084 are listed as “likely recovered.”
Seventy-six cases have been reported in Citrus Heights, along with 8 deaths. Three of those deaths were reported on May 14, with a city spokeswoman confirming that the deaths “were all residents in congregate care.”
According to a statement on the county’s website, the health department’s policy is to not announce individual confirmed COVID-19 cases or deaths. The website does confirm that all deaths in Citrus Heights and Sacramento County “are among those age 65 and older, had underlying conditions, and/or had other risk factors.”
Read more: More Citrus Heights businesses to reopen, as state eases restrictions
The consistent drop in hospitalizations over the past month was a key factor in Sacramento County’s chief health officer calling for a wider reopening of the local economy. On Tuesday, the state approved the county’s plan to move further into “Stage 2” reopening.
Once a new county health order is issued Friday, May 22, restaurants will be able to reopen for dine-in eating, along with child care and many other small businesses and offices.
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The number of patients with COVID-19 in area hospitals has continued to steadily drop since April, according to data tracked and published by Sacramento County health officials.
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