Both Prisma Health and AnMed Health experiencing high number of patients

An increasing number of COVID-19 patients in both Prisma and AnMed Health hospitals across the area has been reported in recent days. Prisma Health’s hospitals, which includes Oconee Memorial, said that eight out of every ten in-patients have not been vaccinated. Prisma Health has counted 438 COVID-19 patients, as compared to just 85 on December 1. Of the 4 Prisma Health children’s hospitals, there are 37 children, all unvaccinated, with COVID.

Here in Oconee County, DHEC’s website indicates that free COVID-19 testing is available at the Health Department on North Townville Street in Seneca Monday through Friday from 8:30am until 5:00pm without an appointment or physician’s referral. Pediatric testing is also available.

From AnMed Health — AnMed Health continues to provide exceptional care to patients despite the rise in inpatient COVID cases. While the full impact of the recent holiday season is undetermined, there was a 45% increase in hospitalized COVID patients from December 29 to January 4.

We are seeing a high number of those patients in our Emergency Department and urgent care centers. As a result, we ask for patience when visiting these locations because of the possibility of longer than usual wait times. For non-emergencies, patients can connect with us for an E-visit by visiting AnMedHealth.org/E-Visits.

With the surge in COVID cases, AnMed Health has expanded its COVID drive-through
testing hours. The new hours are Monday-Thursday from 8-11 a.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.
and Friday from 8-11 a.m. A physician’s order is needed to receive a COVID test at the
drive-through location at the Oglesby Center, 2000 East Greenville Street, Anderson.

We encourage the public to stay vigilant by getting vaccinated to reduce the risk of
severe illness and needing emergency care. Other prevention efforts include not visiting
patients in the hospital if you are sick, wearing a mask, hand washing and social
distancing.