Officials at Freeman Health System held their bi-weekly COVID-19 update on Wednesday. Over the past two weeks, the hospital has experienced a 40% increase in the number of COVID patients, with between 90-95% diagnosed with the Omicron variant. Freeman President and CEO Paula Baker spoke Wednesday, “And as I think we’re all aware the Omicron variant is a very contagious one so we have seen our numbers spike, really since about Thanksgiving. Today we have 51 patients hospitalized and two of those patients are currently on a vent.”

Two weeks ago Freeman reported 34 COVID patients with one on a ventilator. Baker also said Wednesday that her hospital has tested nearly 100,000 people total for COVID with a near 20% positivity rate. She continues to encourage residents to get vaccinated, mask and social distance when in public.