Hospitals are becoming strained as we approach the holidays. It is time to get serious again in stopping the spread of COVID-19 in our community.  Currently, one in three people getting tested at Huntsville Hospital’s Fever & Flu Clinic is positive for COVID-19.  Thanksgiving is soon, and if you are planning to gather with family, PLEASE do it cautiously.

Health leaders urge you to please wear your mask, wear it over your nose and mouth, and take this seriously.  Our guests were Judy Smith and Jeremy Bryant of the Alabama Department of Public Health, David Spillers, CEO of Huntsville Hospital, and Dr. Pam Hudson, CEO of Crestwood Medical Center.

Other topics we discussed on the call:

• Assure Sentinel™ Testing by Huntsville Hospital and Kailos: Huntsville Hospital is working with a local company, Kailos Genetics, to bring to market a highly reliable and easy-to-administer test that could be used proactively to test for Covid (surveillance testing). The Assure Sentinel testing program is meant for asymptomatic populations where there is a need to test large groups efficiently, with a goal of finding asymptomatic positives and reducing chances for spread. Samples are collected via a saline gargle rather than a nasal swab (much more comfortable) – Huntsville Hospital staff collect the samples and deliver to Kailos, and it takes about 48 hours to get results. Results come to Huntsville Hospital, who contacts the people who were tested.
• Governor Kay Ivey announces Revive Plus, a $200 million grant program to support small businesses, non profits, and faith-based organizations in Alabama that have been impacted by COVID-19.
• Virtual school decisions nearing for next semester for Huntsville City Schools (deadline is Nov. 20), Madison City Schools (deadline is Nov. 30), and Madison County Schools (deadline is Dec. 7)
• The Chamber’s “Shop Small, Save Local” campaign, urging people to support our local businesses this holiday season. If you don’t feel comfortable shopping in person, please consider buying a gift card – you can find many local merchants and gift card links on getyourgifton.org
• New flyer from the Alabama Department of Public Health, promoting mask wearing and social distancing:

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