A reader sent the photo from LKN Saturday afternoon
March 30. Top brass from Atrium Health, CaroMont Health, Cone Health, Novant Health and Wake Forest Baptist Health say they support Governor Roy Cooper’s stay-at-home order which goes into effect at 5 p.m. March 30.
This order will not only help preserve medical supplies but ultimately protect those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19, including older adults, those with compromising conditions and medical staff themselves.
By increasing social distancing, a greater decline in the spread of this virus is expected, which in turn minimizes the number of people infected. Fewer people having COVID-19 will ensure hospitals are ready and can handle the increased demand.
Easier said than done
Americans are free spirits, however, and social distancing is easier said than done.
Mecklenburg County Health Director Gibbie Harris said the lack of social distancing, including on Lake Norman, will cause “community spread” of COVID-19.
Who’s who of healthcare supports Cooper
The healthcare CEOs signing on to support Cooper include Terry Akin, Cone Health; Carl Armato, Novant Health; Julie A. Freischlag, M.D., Wake Forest Baptist Health; Chris Peek, CaroMont Health; and Eugene A. Woods, Atrium Health.
“We are grateful for this additional step to slow the spread of this virus and give our team a chance to keep up with the demand,” Woods said.
Health systems and the entire care teams that operate each facility are needed more than ever in the face of COVID-19.
The medical front lines include various teams at hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, dentists, pharmacies, health care suppliers, home health service providers and behavioral health.
How to help
One way ordinary citizens can help is by giving blood. There is a critical blood shortage right now, and many individuals rely on blood donations to survive. Atrium Health is partnering with One Blood to provide opportunities at Atrium locations in the greater Charlotte area.
What does a stay-at-home order mean?
Communities across the US, including the Charlotte area, are issuing orders for people to stay home. This is a stricter form of social distancing to help protect you from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
It means you need to stay home and only go out for essential activities, like:
• Going to the doctor, if the visit can’t be done virtually (if possible we recommend using our 24/7 virtual care options at this time)
• Getting food from a grocery store or takeout at a restaurant
• Picking up medications from the pharmacy
• Walking, biking and jogging, as long as you’re 6 feet away from others
• Helping someone else get necessary supplies
