By Leada Gore
Health officials in Alabama are urging people to not go to emergency rooms for routine problems and COVID-19 testing.
The recent surge in cases and hospitalizations – as of yesterday, 1,694 COVID patients were hospitalized in Alabama – is putting strains on hospitals and staffing. Many of the patients being admitted are younger, sick and unvaccinated and the result is overwhelmed emergency rooms, ADPH said.
“Alabama hospitals urge people to only go to an emergency room for a true emergency and not for COVID-19 testing. Instead, those with less severe symptoms or mi nor injuries need to call their healthcare provider or go to an urgent care with minor needs,” ADPH said in a statement. “Reserve emergency room use for more serious medical problems, such as heart attacks and strokes.”
People who suspect they have COVID should seek medical attention immediately if they have:
• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Bluish lips or face
ADPH advises people to talk to a medical provider if they have other symptoms and call 911 for a medical emergency. People are asked to notify the operator if they believe they may have COVID-19 and, if possible, put on a mask before medical help arrives.