WINS: CDC study highlights worrisome trend, people avoiding hospital care due to COVID-19

A recent study from the CDC highlights a worrisome trend—people are increasingly avoiding or delaying potentially life-saving hospital care for fear of COVID-19.

Visits to emergency departments for life-threatening illnesses declined by 42% during the first five months of 2020.

"I strongly encourage patients not to delay emergency care," said Dr. Melinda Estes, President and CEO of Saint Luke's Health System. "Going to your local hospital is safe; it's also the right thing to do. Patient safety has always been the top priority for hospitals, and with new protocols in place, safety standards are more rigorous than they have ever been. Hospitals are safe and there to care for you."

Listen to the full story that aired on WINS-AM Radio below.

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