New coronavirus cases in Atlantic County have more than tripled this month, including a one-day high of 92.
The first 22 days of October had 947 newly confirmed cases, compared to 307 in the same timespan for September.
August registered about 339 cases in that same time.
The spike comes just as flu season joins the mix.
“We began to see an increase in both the number of people seeking care for symptoms of flu and COVID-19 and the number of patients admitted for COVID-19 in the two weeks after the Labor Day weekend, said Dr. Manish Trivedi, AtlantiCare's director of Infectious Diseases.
"We remind members of the community to call their urgent care, primary care or specialty care provider before seeking care for symptoms in any healthcare setting, unless they are in a life-threatening situation, including having severe trouble breathing, for which they should dial 911," said Trivedi, who also chairs the Infection Prevention Committee.
The spike caused Shore Medical Center in Somers Point to stop visits except under certain circumstances including end of life.
The week started with 92 new cases reported Sunday. By Monday, AtlantiCare had 25 admitted between its campuses in Atlantic City and Galloway Township.
As a result of the increase, AtlantiCare updated its visitor policy for its City and Mainland campuses along with the Satellite Emergency Department in Hammonton.
No visitors are allowed in the emergency departments unless the patient is younger than 18, has an intellectual, developmental or other cognitive disability, or had other significant care-related circumstances. Those exceptions are allowed as many as two designated support people.
For the most up-to-date visitor policy, go to AtlantiCare's website.
The county now has had 5,444 confirmed cases, with 3,164 listed as recovered, or about 58 percent. The most recent death was Friday, bringing that total to 258.
Taking the spike day of 92 out of the equation, the month still has averaged almost 41 new cases per day compared to about 15 per day in August and September.
Atlantic County continues to provide testing for residents by appointment from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays behind the Public Works Yard at 617 Dolphin Ave. in Northfield. There will be an exception for Election Day, when testing will be that Wednesday, Nov. 4.
CLICK to make an appointment.
For other testing sites: CLICK HERE
TOTAL BREAKDOWN BY MUNICIPALITY
