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As fall approaches in ernest, Escambia County Healthcare Authority officials said that they are seeing an increase of COVID-19 cases across the health system.

Public Relations Coordinator Jason Daniel said in an email that healthcare experts have predicted that a minor uptick in cases would occur during the fall and since COVID-19 has similar symptoms as the common cold and flu, it will become more difficult for healthcare facilities.

“There is anticipation that the vaccines will begin before the beginning of 2021, and that by the summer of 2021 they should be complete,” Daniel said. “The Escambia County Healthcare Authority asks that everyone continue to wear a mask and wear it correctly when out in public. And if you are showing signs or symptoms of COVID-19 to contact your doctor.”

However, Daniel said since July, the COVID numbers have been steadily decreasing.

Daniel said the percentage of patients who tested positive include by month:

• July – 28 percent

• August – 19 percent

• September – 19 percent

• October – 5 percent (this data was shared with The Atmore Advance on Oct. 19.)

“In Atmore, we have yet to see that (an uptick) happen,” Daniel said. “At D.W. McMillan, we have seen the uptick in the last week, but again on a small scale.”