INDIANAPOLIS — With the coronavirus pandemic across the state, Indiana leaders want to stress that hospitals and ambulances will still take care of you, even if you have a non-COVID-19 issue.
Indiana health leaders said Wednesday they have seen a decrease in 911 runs and emergency room visits for problems not related to the coronavirus. They have also seen an increase of people dying in their homes of heart attacks. In Johnson County, hospitals are reporting emergency room counts down by as much as 50%.
Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box attributed the changes to people not wanting to get infected in waiting rooms, and not wanting to burden the medical system. But Box said if you need help – call.
“If you’re ill and emergently need to be taken, call 911,” Box said. “That’s what we’re there for. That’s what we want to do. We don’t want people to die in increasing numbers in our state that is not related to COVID-19.”
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Human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through: Respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing; close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands; touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands; rarely, fecal contamination.
The best way to protect yourself from any respiratory illness, including the flu, is to: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap & water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact (within six feet) with people who are sick. Stay home when you are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
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