HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — As of March 3, 2022, the positivity rate in Madison County is a little over eight percent, which is significantly less than it was a few weeks before.
"In Madison County right now there are 93 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and 83 of those are at the main hospital downtown," Jeff Samz of Huntsville Hospital said. "Three of them at Crestwood and seven of them at Madison hospital."
The CDC reports that Madison County still has a high transmission level but we are trending in the right direction.
"Hospitalizations have been declining rapidly and were delighted to see that. [But] the almost 90 patients still in the main hospital remains a significant burden," Samz explained. He also said that the majority of these inpatients continue to be unvaccinated.
The Huntsville Hospital visitation policy returned to normal last week for non- COVID patients., with general inpatients allowed two visitors at a time and ICU patients allowed two visitors at a time during visiting hours. You are also required to wear a mask/face covering at all times while inside the hospital, observe social distancing and sanitize hands frequently.
What about masks in other settings?
"I would emphasize that masks remain an effective tool to protect your friends and family both from COVID-19 and other airborne illnesses. We're seeing increased flu activity from the community. If you're feeling sick, wearing a mask is just a great idea to protect your friends." Samz said.
COVID-19 vaccines are still highly recommended and readily available. After giving over 100,000 vaccinations, the Huntsville Hospital vaccine clinic at John Hunt Park is cutting back to two days a week. The location has been in operation for almost two years, first as a testing site, then as a vaccination site.
Even though we can't let go of masks yet, experts hope that we'll see some sort of normalcy in the next few months.
As for local schools:
Huntsville City Schools: Masks will be optional on buses beginning Thursday, March 3, 2022 across Huntsville City Schools (HCS). This update aligns with the district’s Mask Optional status announced earlier this week related to new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Families are asked to speak with their student about this update for buses, and any student who wishes to keep wearing a mask may continue to do so.
Madison County Schools: Based on the low rate of COVID spread within the Madison County School System, effective Thursday, March 3, 2022, mask-wearing on Madison County School buses will become OPTIONAL. Parents still have the OPTION to ask their children to wear a facial covering while on a bus, but again, it is NOT a requirement.
Madison City Schools: Beginning Thursday, March 3, masks will be optional but no longer required on Madison City school buses. This change aligns with the masks "optional" status in MCS schools and new CDC guidance.