Brinker says healthcare system in crisis

By Linda Trest, Staff Writer
Posted 11/18/20

Franklin County Presiding Commissioner Tim Brinker issued a frantic plea to county residents last week: “The virus is our enemy! This is war! Take personal responsibility Now!!!!!”

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Brinker says healthcare system in crisis

Posted

Franklin County Presiding Commissioner Tim Brinker issued a frantic plea to county residents last week: “The virus is our enemy! This is war! Take personal responsibility Now!!!!!”

This came after Brinker was made aware that the healthcare system in the St. Louis region is facing a crisis. “Hospitals are mere days away from being left with making the grave choice of who gets treated and who gets put on hold while in critical need,” he wrote.

Indeed, the county faced more grim statistics in the past week. Last Friday, Nov. 13, the county reported 170 new cases, shattering the single day total. For comparison, there were less than 300 new cases reported in the entire month of July. There were 487 new cases reported last week, but no additional deaths which is showing a considerable lag time.

Hospitalizations stood at 22 a week ago, rose to 37 on Friday and now stand at 24.

Nine new cases were reported in the Gerald area in the past week.

Brinker still has not issued any mandates to reduce the spread of the virus, relying instead on county residents to do the right thing of their own accord.

Students at Gerald Elementary are now required, effective immediately to wear masks when social distancing is not possible. There will be no classes Thanksgiving week in an effort to slow the spread of the deadly virus.