The past few weeks have been a slow-moving accident. Cases continue to climb, currently below the threshold where most people have been affected, but high enough to begin to drain the healthcare system. Protective equipment such as N95 masks is becoming scarce. Providers are needing to reuse a mask for a day or more. Hospital finances are hemorrhaging due to the cessation of elective hospital procedures, office visits, etc.
In Washington ventilators continue to be available for those who need them, but with the current doubling time of about three days, I doubt this will be the case a week from now. Over this next week parts of the country will extend past the terrifying part of the exponential curve where the situation goes from “ok” to “terrible” rapidly. Many of my patients have confided in me that they have already lost their jobs and are unsure about getting them back, or their future prospects in the near term for gainful employment. Many seem to understand, and far, that the closures will persist past next week.
The next few weeks will be challenging for those in healthcare, but also for those who are hanging on by the ragged edge. The booming economy the past decade passed many by, the American dream seemingly further out of reach than every before by the younger generations.
We’re all in this together. To those who have lost their jobs or are experiencing hardship from the current situation, you’re sacrifice is appreciated. To those out on spring break, attending parties, socializing, etc – you mock the sacrifices of others and those on the front line of healthcare trying to keep you safe. Stay at home. Do your part.
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