The BayCare Health System says its hospitals are seeing one of the highest -- if not the highest -- volumes of coronavirus patients during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
BayCare emailed a statement to ABC Action News saying its hospitals are seeing an increasing number of COVID-19 patients. BayCare did not release specific data, like the number of patients or the ages of the patients, in the email statement but said it is urging the public to "continue to do their part to prevent the virus’ spread by practicing social distancing, wearing a mask and washing hands frequently."
As of Thursday morning, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) reports more than 85,900 total coronavirus cases in the state and a death toll of more than 3,000. The Sunshine State once again set another single-day record for new coronavirus cases on Thursday, with 3,207. This was the fifth time in eight days a new record has been set, according to the Associated Press.
Below is a full statement released by BayCare:
"BayCare remains committed to serving our community as it continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. Part of being prepared to serve our patients is making sure our team members are informed with regular, internal communications, including the fact that we are seeing an increasing number of COVID-19 patients in our hospitals. BayCare facilities, like almost all hospitals in the area, have as many or more COVID-19 patients than earlier in the pandemic. We urge the public to continue to do their part to prevent the virus’ spread by practicing social distancing, wearing a mask and washing hands frequently."