PIMA COUNTY, AZ — Officials from Pima County sent a letter to residents on Friday urging them to stay home and take extra precautions as COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to rise.
The letter urges Pima County residents to stay home as much as possible, avoid unnecessary gatherings, wear a mask in public and not partake in holiday gatherings with those that are not in your immediate household.
“Our emergency departments and hospitals are full, and they are facing shortages of staff and critical supplies,” the letter reads. “Hospital workers are exhausted and there is no end in sight, presently. Without significant changes in community behavior, there will be continued growth in positive COVID cases and hospitalizations through the remainder of December.”
Watch the press conference in the player below.
This letter comes two days after the Pima County Office of Emergency Management issued an advisory saying all county hospitals are at capacity.
#NEW 26 health officials in Pima County signed open letter to the community, asking people to stay home & wear a mask.
— Mike Pelton (@MikePeltonABC15) December 11, 2020
Letter says emergency departments and hospitals are full.
"Our acute healthcare system is experiencing heavy stress and is near the breaking point" @abc15 pic.twitter.com/3YLNqNYL6C
Officials with Pima County confirmed Wednesday that all hospitals in the county have implemented their surge plans, including halting elective procedures.
“Not everyone who gets COVID-19 gets terribly sick. But many do, and many of them are dying from it. Even though you may think you’re healthy and won’t be affected by COVID-19 if you get it, you may unintentionally give it to someone else,” the letter says.