Sussex County At 'High' COVID-19 Risk Report Says

SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ - Sussex County is at risk of an outbreak as COVID cases are increasing at a rate likely to overwhelm hospitals, according to the Covid ActNow group. Sussex was listed in the high level of COVID risk on Friday.

This update comes as New Jersey is no longer on track to contain the coronavirus as infection numbers surge to record new highs across the country, according to the study from researchers and epidemiologists.

Last week, the state was one of only three in the nation that looked likely to get the virus under control as it went from being, along with New York, the world's COVID-19 epicenter to having among the lowest daily diagnoses in the nation, according to a group of epidemiologists tracking the outbreak.

In Sussex County, the infection rate was 1.03, noting a risk of outbreak. In terms of ICU headroom used, the study notes that Sussex County, has about 10 ICU beds. Based on best available data, the estimate that 50 percent are currently occupied by non-COVID patients. With 5 ICU beds remaining, they estimate three are needed by COVID cases, or 60 percent of available beds. This suggests hospitals may not be well positioned to absorb a wave of new COVID infections without substantial surge capacity, researchers said.

The study also noted that from April 3 through May 30 ICU capacity was at 100 percent in Sussex County and didn't drop out of the critical threshold until June 7.

You can view the full report on the website.

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