While Wilson County saw a decrease in the average number of COVID-19 cases this week, hospitalizations were on the rise.

Wilson Medical Center had 42 COVID-19 patients on Thursday with eight in the intensive care unit, said Sydney Wilkinson, the hospital’s infection prevention coordinator. She said the vast majority of those patients are unvaccinated.

Wilkinson said the hospital hasn’t seen that many hospitalizations since peaking at 60 patients in January 2021. She said Thursday’s hospital census was slightly higher than what the hospital saw in September.

“We are still seeing a steady increase in our hospitalizations,” Wilkinson said. “We want to remind the community to only present to the emergency department for emergent situations and to utilize urgent cares or primary care providers for mild to moderate symptoms to prevent a high influx into the ED.”

10 DEATHS THIS MONTH

Wilson’s average COVID-19 positive cases per day stood at 144.7, down from last week’s 170.7, according to the Wilson County Health Department.

“We hope to see that continue over the next few weeks,” said health department spokeswoman Melissa Haynes. “Our trends are continuing to follow the state and national trends.”

The percentage of tests returned positive here was 34.9% for this week, a slight uptick from last week. In comparison, Wilson’s daily average of positive cases in early December was 5.3%.

Wilson County has recorded 10 COVID-19-related deaths so far this month, Haynes said. The age range for those decedents was 40 and older.

Six congregate living facilities in Wilson County are experiencing current COVID-19 outbreaks, Haynes said. She identified the facilities as the Brian Center, Longleaf Neuro-Medical Center, Accordius Health, Wilson Pines, Morning Star Assisted Living and Wilson Assisted Living.

Thursday’s figures show Wilson County Schools had 38 staff members and 135 students diagnosed with COVID-19.

OUT-OF-STATE AMBULANCE

Don’t be surprised to see an out-of-state ambulance responding to Wilson County Emergency Medical Services calls over the next two weeks.

That ambulance and crew are part of a Federal Emergency Management Agency team sent to North Carolina. Crews are assigned to various counties to assist with 911 EMS response during the pandemic.

The crew assigned to Wilson County will be responding in a blue van ambulance labeled Lakeside EMS, county officials said. The team will support Wilson County EMS shifts from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.