This week on the Minnesota Native News Health Report, healthcare leaders in the state are urging vaccination, saying hospital emergency departments are overfilled and the situation is “critical.” Reporter Cole Premo has more on that.
“We’re heartbroken, we’re overwhelmed” is the title of a collective and emotional statement by medical workers from major healthcare systems in Minnesota, including Mayo Clinic, Hennepin Healthcare and Children’s Minnesota.
The statement was released as the state experiences the seventh-highest COVID-19 infection rate in the country.
Medical workers say they are seeing avoidable illnesses and death as direct result of COVID-19 on a daily basis. The statement goes on to say that the pandemic has strained hospital operations and demoralized many medical workers.
Furthermore, medical workers say that hospital emergency rooms are overfilled and the ability to provide adequate care is being threatened. Getting care from a local community hospital without delay is now an uncertainty.
On Dec. 15, healthcare workers shared emotional stories during a press conference at Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis. Here’s Dr. Shirlee Xie, who works at Hennepin Healthcare.
The group of medical workers is urging people to get vaccinated, including getting the booster shot. They also ask to wear a mask even if you’re vaccinated, and socially distance. If you feel sick, get tested.
Minnesotans are also encouraged to talk with neighbors and loved ones to take these steps.
The state’s latest COVID-19 positivity rate, although on a downward trend most recently, continues to remain above the high risk threshold, last recorded at 10.2%.
Meanwhile, the state’s death toll officially breached 10,000 since the pandemic began.
Over 8.3 million vaccine doses have been administered, including 1.4 million booster shots. Just over 71% of those ages 5 and up have received at least one dose.
Cole Premo reporting for Minnesota Native News
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