Today the City of Greenville held another press conference to update to public about the novel coronavirus in the Upstate.
Mayor Knox White began by saying there have been definite steps towards progress and that wearing masks has contributed to the decline in local COVID-19 numbers.
However, he also reminded that it is still a tough situation and called on the community to think local and shop local.
Dr. Marcus Blackstone, Chief Clinical Officer with Bon Secours St. Francis Health System, gave examples of improvements their hospital system has seen.
"As of today, we're at about 50% of COVID patients that we were four weeks ago, and we're seeing a very slow but somewhat of a steady decline," Dr. Blackstone said.
Dr. Blackstone went on to emphasize there are still COVID-19 patients and cases but progress is being made.
He also pointed out two places where they keep seeing new cases pop-up: in-person church services without masks and funerals.
Dr. Eric Ossmann, Chief of Preparedness with Prisma Health, reported that at the time of the last press conference in July they had over 300 COVID-19 in-patients across 11 hospitals in the Upstate and Midlands; currently the number of in-patient COVID-19 cases is below 150.
Dr. Ossmann reminded everyone to still get their flu shots this year, to keep wearing masks, social distancing, and practicing good hygiene.
Dr. Robin LaCroix, Medical Director for Prisma Health Children’s Hospital-Upstate, provided an update on how school districts are combating COVID-19.
Dr. LaCroix has worked with the schools to prepare for a safe return for school.
She said the best things for parents to do is reinforce what the school is asking as far as wearing masks and hand hygiene.
Mostly importantly, she said that if anyone suspects their children are becoming ill, it is best to keep them at home for the time being.
