Milwaukee City Wire

Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce issued the following announcement on Dec. 23

HOSPITALS NEED YOUR HELP NOW.

The COVID-19 pandemic is more than a healthcare crisis. Healthcare workers can’t bring this to an end. It requires everyone in the community to do their part. We are asking for your help in mobilizing your members now. There is no time to waste.

WHAT’S HAPPENING & WHAT’S COMING 

“Viral Blizzard” is what hospitals are bracing for over the holidays and into early 2022.

• The Delta and Omicron variants are highly contagious, with COVID-19 case totals doubling in days, not weeks. The CDC says that nationally the Omicron variant is responsible for 70%+ of cases and projects one million new cases a day by next month.
• The holidays mean traveling and social gatherings. Often with individuals who are not vaccinated and/or whose health is immunocompromised. This is a dangerous mix.
• People still have heart attacks and strokes, break limbs, have car accidents and get diagnosed with cancer in a pandemic. Folks are coming to us sicker than ever because they’ve delayed getting care. The beds and caregivers they need are being taxed by COVID-19 patients who are unvaccinated.
• People are sick and dying unnecessarily. Our teams are frustrated and demoralized because the vast majority of COVID-19 cases in our hospitals are preventable. There are vaccines and boosters that are highly effective at preventing hospitalization and death.
• And we know what’s coming. Hospitals experience a surge 2-4 weeks after a holiday. Trouble is – we’re already surging.

TOP 10 WAYS EVERY PERSON CAN HELP 

This can be turned around with a lower number of people getting sick over the coming weeks. And the good news is – it’s easy to do:

1. Stay home if you’re not feeling well - and away from people in your household.
2. Know before you go. You can have COVID with no symptoms and spread the virus to others. Get tested before attending any holiday gatherings.
3. If you test positive using an at-home COVID-19 test. To confirm it, go to a dedicated community testing location. They can be found on HealthyMKE.com.
4. Looking for a COVID test? Visit a dedicated community testing location. A list can be found by visiting HealthyMKE.com.
5. Plan ahead and know the hours of operation for testing locations. They may be different as a result of holidays.
6. Medical emergencies - For people experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, stroke, mental health or other acute illness or injury, a hospital emergency room is still the safest, most appropriate place to get care. Go directly to the emergency room or dial 911.
7. If you are not experiencing serious illness or injuries, for things like fever, cough, sore throat, and more. Know where to go, like virtual visits and urgent care centers.
8. Wear a mask, watch your distance and wash your hands.
9. Get vaccinated. Vaccines are free, safe and effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization and even death. Vaccines are approved for everyone age 5 and up.
10. Get boosted. If you’ve completed your primary vaccine series, get your booster dose. Boosters are approved for everyone age 16 and up.

You trust us with your health when you need us most. Please do everything in your power to help us bring this pandemic to an end.

Original source can be found here.