Leadership with the Butler Health System is doubling down on their message asking people to scale back on their holiday gatherings this year.
A joint statement was released today by the American Hospital Association, the American Medical Association and the American Nurses Association encouraging people to celebrate the holidays safely.
The statement reads in part:
“We are all weary and empathize with the desire to celebrate the holidays with family and friends, but given the serious risks, we underscore how important it is to wear masks, maintain physical distancing and wash your hands,” the letter states. “Following these science-based, commonsense measures is the best way to prevent our health care systems and dedicated health care professionals from being overwhelmed by critically ill patients. We must protect the doctors, nurses and other caregivers who have tirelessly battled this virus for months. You can do your part to ensure they can continue to care for you and your loved ones.”
Dr. John Love, is the Infectious Disease Director at Butler Health System added to that sentiment.
“I am to the point now where I am just going to beg people not to have their traditional holidays with their extended families like they want. I have nothing else to do at this point,” Love said.
Love says that indoor gatherings have been one of the reasons why cases are surging right now and that a Thanksgiving meal with extended family could become a problem.
“It is the perfect storm bringing together people from multiple households into a home over a meal over an extended period of time with a wide age range,” Love said.
Love says while he understands that people want to gather, it could lead to dangerous outcomes in the next few weeks.