For the first time in a week, there’s a slight decrease in the number of COVID-19 patients at The University of Kansas Health System. 19 patients are being treated for the virus, down from 22 yesterday. 9 patients are being treated in the ICU, same as yesterday, with six on ventilators, same as yesterday. Even though four people were discharged, three new patients were admitted. Doctors have noticed a definite increase in the number of patients in the 20-40- year-old range. They say it’s a result of younger people returning to bars, restaurants and other gatherings and either not believing the virus is out there or not being concerned about the risk of COVID-19.
We get many questions from members of the news media and the community. Today’s show was spent answering many of those questions. Also, an update from the Community Blood Center and their alarming shortfall in blood donations.
Before the doctors began answering questions, they went to multimedia journalist Jessica Lovell live at the University of Kansas Medical Center’s blood drive for the Community Blood Center. The good news is that so far, the drive has exceeded the goal of 130 units with 163 units. But the blood center still has less than a three-day supply of blood and they need a seven-day supply. To help, call the Community Blood Center at 816-968-4040 or go to their web site, savealifenow.org.
Dana Hawkinson, MD, medical director of infection prevention and control at The University of Kansas Health System, is back in the studio after a week on vacation. He answered a question about whether UV light in a restaurant is effective in killing the virus. He also addressed concerns about kids going back to school, and how each school will be adapting for fall classes. He says some may continue virtual classes. He had advice for making college visit trips this summer, and how to stay safe in an office setting. He also discussed what safety measures churches need to take in order for them to resume in-person services.
Steve Stites, MD, chief medical officer at The University of Kansas Health System, debunked three myths of mask wearing. 1) Masks are dangerous and can force me to breathe carbon monoxide, 2) Wearing a cloth mask doesn’t protect me and 3) If I’m not sick, I don’t need to wear a mask. He says it’s disturbing to see mask wearing become a political issue. “Wear the darn mask!” he says. He thinks we could be halfway toward a vaccine and reminds us all that the pandemic will pass. He says it’s vital we all do what we can to keep safe until that’s available because “We want to be here on the other side.” He says mask wearing, social distancing, hand washing, sneezing into our elbow and not touching our faces are proven ways to keep COVID-19 from spreading.
Monday, June 29 at 8:00 a.m. is the next daily briefing call. David Wild, MD, VP of Performance Improvement at The University of Kansas Health System, explains the difference between modeling and forecasting and shares what our health system numbers tell us. Nationally, 17 different forecasts predict somewhere between 124,000 and 140,000 deaths by July 4. The details may impact your 4th of July plans. Also joining the conversation, Edward Ellerbeck, MD, MPH, Chair Population Health with a critique of how well public health measures are being followed and the impact on health care.
ATTENTION: media procedure for calling in:
The meeting is available by Zoom, both video and by phone. To join the Zoom Meeting by video, click https://kumc-ois.zoom.us/j/7828978628
Telephone dial-in Participants:
For those without Zoom, call 1-253-215-8782, meeting ID: 782 897 8628.
The feed is also available via TVU grid. The TVU source is UoK_Health and is being made available to all.
Feel free to send questions in advance to medicalnewsnetwork@kumc.edu.
