THOMASVILLE — Archbold Memorial Hospital has reported its first two deaths of patients from COVID-19.

“We are saddened by the first deaths at Archbold from COVID-19, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of these patients,” Archbold officials said in a release. “Like other hospital systems across the country, the number of patients we are testing and caring for is rising. During these unprecedented times, we must all do our part to aggressively help mitigate the impact of the virus — it’s imperative to continue social distancing, hand hygiene and cough/sneeze etiquette.” 

From across Archbold facilities, there have been 35 positive test results for COVID-19, and 128 negative results. Ten patients who have tested positive are at home, and 15 are in Archbold hospital. Ten other patients at Archbold are waiting on results, part of 162 patients waiting on test results.

Five patients from the Archbold screening site on Pinetree Boulevard have tested positive. Twenty-five have had negative test results, and 124 are waiting on results. Those patients will be notified by their primary care provider about the results.

No patient at Brooks County Hospital, Grady General Hospital or Mitchell County Hospital has tested positive for COVID-19 to date. Two patients at Grady are waiting on results, and five at Mitchell County Hospital are waiting on results.

There are no positive tests nor any patient waiting on results at either Glenn-Mor Nursing Home or Mitchell County Convalescent. Eight patients at Pelham Parkway Nursing Home have tested positive and 23 are waiting on results.

Archbold officials said they are reporting results for patients in Archbold facilities and results reported through their lab and are not reporting data by county of residence, which is how the state reports data for public health purposes. Archbold officials also said the system is not the only potential source of testing results within their service area counties, which reinforces the need to rely on the Department of Public Health for data by county of residence.

Archbold President and CEO Perry Mustian expressed his gratitude to the Archbold healthcare team, particularly front line caregivers. 

“We applaud you for providing outstanding care and compassion to all patients who enter our healthcare system,” he said Monday.” We have shifted from preparedness to response mode with a core group of senior leaders working in a command center handling the day-to-day logistics of our response to COVD-19. The decisions we make are designed to both support you and help protect you during this situation. I am confident that Archbold is ready and prepared to manage through this difficult time and I want you to know that we’re here for you, we thank you and God bless the work you do every day.” 

Mustian also noted that Monday was National Doctors’ Day.

“We would like say a special thank you to our amazing doctors for everything they do for our patients, not only today, but every day,” he said. “Your commitment to our patients during these unprecedented times is much appreciated. Thank you for your sacrifice, your compassion and your willingness to serve. And thank you for being a part of the Archbold family. You are healthcare heroes.” 

To better capture the many employee and community inquiries about ways to serve Archbold during the pandemic, Archbold has established a contact line. Those interested in helping can call the Archbold Foundation at 228-2924.