In a time filled with uncertainty and anxiety, our nation has entered a new chapter as we adjust to the reality of widespread closures in schools and businesses. As of March 18th, more than 227,000 individuals globally have contracted COVID-19, with over 9,300 fatalities reported. These figures continue to rise, and the impact of this pandemic is felt deeply across our communities—physically, mentally, and financially.
It’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed by the staggering statistics, resource shortages, and mismanagement highlighted in the media. Many of us are grappling with a situation that seems insurmountable, and it’s important to acknowledge that navigating these challenges is far from easy. In these tumultuous times, it’s crucial for us to unite in expressing profound gratitude to the doctors, nurses, first responders, and all healthcare professionals who are courageously risking their lives for our safety.
Just last Wednesday, nurses nationwide organized a day of action to protest the CDC’s diminished COVID-19 containment measures in hospitals. Among the most concerning changes were the rollbacks on the isolation requirements for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients and the reduced protections for healthcare workers who are on the front lines collecting vital diagnostic respiratory samples.
“If nurses and healthcare workers aren’t protected, then patients and the public also are not safe,” stated Laura Bennett, executive director of the National Nurses Association, in a press release. “This represents a significant public health crisis of uncertain scale. Now is not the time to weaken our safeguards or cut corners; it’s the time to enhance our efforts.”
The National Nurses Association (NNA) is actively conducting surveys of registered nurses across the nation to gauge whether medical facilities can handle the influx of COVID-19 patients. Shockingly, as of March 3rd, only 29% of respondents indicated that their hospitals had a plan to isolate coronavirus patients, while 70% reported insufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) to manage the escalating number of cases.
In essence, healthcare workers boldly stood up against a leading national public health organization that failed to prioritize their safety and that of their patients. At a pivotal moment when medical professionals have been tirelessly working to support the greater good, they have also diverted precious time and energy to advocate for the basic protections they deserve. The remarkable healthcare workers dedicating themselves to our wellbeing right now are truly inspiring, and their impact is felt deeply by those they serve.
As restrictions tighten and self-quarantine becomes our new normal, it’s essential to remember why we are making these sacrifices to curb the virus’s spread. Our hospitals do not have infinite resources, and the individuals within them—both patients and staff—are just as human as the rest of us. While we may find solace in handwashing, surface disinfection, and social distancing, it’s the underlying reason for these efforts that can help us unite and think beyond ourselves.
Many among us are sheltered in the comfort of our homes, while others lack safe housing and may need a hospital bed due to higher risks associated with COVID-19. There are those commuting to work at medical facilities that must remain operational. Limiting our interactions may feel isolating, but it is also a profound act of kindness and appreciation for those who lack the luxury of staying home.
To all the brave souls who walk through hospital doors or respond to emergency calls amidst this chaos, know that we view you as heroes. Your unwavering dedication during these trying times gives us hope, as you stand on the front lines of an unprecedented public health crisis. We are eternally grateful for your service to our communities. Thank you for being there for each and every one of us.
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In summary, the healthcare workers fighting on the front lines deserve our utmost gratitude and support as they navigate this unprecedented crisis. Their commitment and sacrifice not only protect us but also serve as a beacon of hope in these challenging times.
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