Physicians urge U.S. to take COVID-19 seriously

According to a news release, the public should take three simple steps to limit the spread of the disease: frequent handwashing, maintaining at least six feet of distance from others, and wearing a mask. The announcement is part of the AMA’s ongoing efforts to urge individuals to take the necessary health and safety precautions as the country enters the flu season in order to protect themselves, loved ones, and healthcare workers on the front line of the dramatic increase in cases.

According to the COVID Tracking project, there have been more than 230,000 COVID-19 fatalities, more than 500,000 hospitalizations, and nearly 10.5 million positive tests in the U.S. since the beginning of the pandemic.

"As we enter a third wave of a pandemic that is causing increased illness and deaths across our country, we implore everyone to follow these three-simple science- and evidence-based steps to help stop the spread of COVID-19: wash your hands, practice physical distancing and wear a mask,” AMA President Susan R. Bailey, MD, says in the release. “Cases are at record highs across the country, and with the holidays quickly approaching, each of us must do everything possible to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Failing to do our part will prolong the suffering and disruption to our lives, and inevitably lead to more deaths of our friends, neighbors and loved ones.”

This latest spike in cases has concerned physicians due to its proximity to the start of flu season and with daily case increases averaging above 100,000 the shortages of personal protective equipment, tests, testing supplies and limited intensive care unit capacity are expected to continue, the release says.