CEO of Crestwood Medical Center says 'as many as 400' staff members out sick' across the county

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Leaders from the Huntsville community met at city hall on Wednesday to discuss updated COVID-19 concerns. 

Jeff Birdwell, Huntsville-Madison County Emergency Management Agency Director says, "In Madison County there are 71,990 [COVID-19 cases] having resulted in 787 deaths." 

With increased numbers, more people are looking for COVID-19 tests. The City of Huntsville encourages everyone to take advantage of the free COVID-19 tests provided by the federal government. 

The increase in positive cases has put a strain on hospital staff in the Tennessee Valley. 

"We are at a capacity based on staffing because we have so many folks out, possibly as many as four hundred across the county in the hospital so that's a substantial absence from the workforce," Crestwood Hospital CEO, Dr. Pam Hudson said.

Dr. Hudson also said that the community should expect staffing shortages from other businesses following the latest surge. 

"We are likely to be struggling in the hospitals for another couple of weeks," Dr. Hudson said. 

Decatur-Morgan County COVID update:

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COVID-19 Symptoms:

Symptoms of COVID-19
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that people with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
· Fever or chills
· Cough
· Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
· Fatigue
· Muscle or body aches
· Headache
· New loss of taste or smell
· Sore throat
· Congestion or runny nose
· Nausea or vomiting
· Diarrhea

This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.
Please do not visit the emergency department for testing or for symptoms or reasons that do not require emergent care.