CASPER, Wyo. — There were 17 people admitted to the Wyoming Medical Center for COVID-19 between Saturday morning and Sunday morning, said Natrona County Health Officer and WMC Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Mark Dowell in a live social media statement Monday.
Considering both actively isolated COVID patients and those who have been moved out of isolation, there were “over 50 [patients], so we really have had no decrease in cases.”
The Wyoming Department of Health data posted at 3:00 p.m. Monday also reflect the sharp increase in COVID patients at WMC over the weekend.
“All but one of the patients we are following are not vaccinated,” Dowell said. That patient “has it mildly,” and he added that the patient likely didn’t produce enough antibodies due to taking an arthritis medication that modulates the immune system.
“Otherwise, everyone is fresh meat — if you will — for this virus.” He added that patients are continuing to die.
The WDH reports that 38% of Natrona County is fully vaccinated.
“That’s what makes it sad … this is preventable,” Dowell said.
Dowell added that volume of COVID-19 patients continues to impact the hospital’s ability to perform elective surgeries. In September, Dowell said that medical professionals, including himself, were feeling mental and emotional burnout and disillusionment from the protracted health crisis and from fielding persistent misinformation.
Dowell reiterated that the vaccines are free, effective, and well tolerated.
