COVID-19 Update: Cases are Skyrocketing – Slow the Spread, Save Lives
- Category: Blog
- Posted On:
- Written By: Daniel Gluckstein, MD Medical Director of Infectious Disease
To our valued patients and community,
As we head into the Fourth of July holiday weekend, the healthcare providers you trust at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center urge you to celebrate safely because community spread of COVID-19 and hospitalizations are skyrocketing. While some people with COVID-19 are asymptomatic or experience mild symptoms, for others this is a potentially life-threatening virus. Every one of us can help slow the spread and save lives.
Home for the Holiday
Spend time at home with the members of your household, rather than socialize with a group of people who do not live together. Or use technology like FaceTime, Skype or Zoom to enjoy time with friends and family virtually. We know that you may be tired of being cooped up, but staying home is truly one of the best ways to avoid contracting COVID-19.
Face Coverings, Physical Distancing and Hand Washing
If you must go out in public, consistently wear a cloth face covering or mask to protect others and yourself, and insist your close contacts do the same. By following the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidance that requires Californians to wear face coverings in most settings outside the home, YOU are protecting public health and reducing potential transmission of COVID-19. Visit the CDPH website for information about when you should wear a face covering and who is exempt. Be sure to physically distance – keep six feet between you and anyone you come into contact with. And wash your hands frequently.
People at Increased Risk for Severe Illness
Some people, particularly those over 50 years of age, are more likely than others to become severely ill with COVID-19, and may require hospitalization, intensive care, or a ventilator to help them breathe. See the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for a recently updated list of those at increased risk for getting severely ill from COVID-19. People at risk and their close contacts should take extra precautions and remain at home, if possible.
When to Seek Medical Care
Look for emergency warning signs for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Bluish lips or face
Call 9-1-1 and inform the operator that you need care for someone who has or may have COVID-19.
Until there is a vaccine, it is imperative that all of us use the effective tools we have to protect ourselves and others from contracting COVID-19 – stay home if you can, cover your face in public settings, practice physical distancing and wash your hands.
Please take care and know that Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center and the Pomona Valley Health Centers are safe places to seek emergency or urgent care if you need it.
Sincerely,
Daniel Gluckstein, MD
Medical Director of Infectious Disease