Brevard County officials encourage use of new COVID treatment option to reduce hospitalizations

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Brevard County Government officials provided an update Friday on the spread of the coronavirus in their community.

They warned that the county’s current surge in new cases has continued while vaccinations lag behind.

READ: Many questions, few answers surrounding vaccine religious exemptions

Officials say the current coronavirus caseload is having a negative ripple effect throughout the community.

Last week, there were 4,550 new COVID-19 cases reported in Brevard County, 200 more than the previous week.

“Any false sense of hope that people have that we’re getting the upper end on thi thing is vastly false,” Brevard County Communications Director Don Walker said.

However, Brevard County residents experiencing mild to moderate COVID symptoms now have another treatment option available to them.

A state-run monoclonal antibody therapy treatment site opened Tuesday at Kiwanis Island Park on Merritt Island. Since then, more than 250 people have been treated at the Regeneron clinic.

READ: What is monoclonal antibody treatment and who should get it?

Brevard County officials are urging COVID positive residents to use the new site in the hopes of keeping symptoms under control, and more patients out of the hospital.

“It’s really important if you’re not feeling well...we want folks to get that treatment,” Brevard County Emergency Management Director John Scott said. “It is making a difference across the country. We’re seeing research that supports that.”

The county described a cascading effect that’s impacting its own staff as well as local schools.

Over the last two days, Brevard Public Schools reported 546 COVID-19 cases with more than 3,700 individuals asked to quarantine.

On Friday, the district pleaded to parents for their help.

READ: ‘Don’t be stupid’: COVID-19 patient on hospital bed pleads for people to get vaccine

“We’re just asking you, please, if there’s one child that’s unwell and has symptoms, please, please get them tested,” Brevard Public Schools spokesperson Katherine Allen said. “And don’t take their siblings to school until you know one way or another.”

The county says anyone planning to take advantage of the new treatment site should remember to eat and be well-hydrated before arriving.

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Cox Media Group