Directive aims to help stem COVID-19 spread
CARY, NC – Steve Lawler, president of the North Carolina Healthcare Association (NCHA), offered the following statement today on Governor Cooper announcing a modified stay-at-home order to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
“North Carolina is experiencing a rapid increase in new positive cases and record numbers of hospitalizations in the wake of Thanksgiving. If the trend continues, it will place greater strain on hospitals and their team members, including doctors and nurses, respiratory therapists and a host of other healthcare providers on the front lines caring for patients and communities who are suffering. The North Carolina Healthcare Association joins with the governor in calling on all North Carolinians to make responsible decisions to slow the spread of the virus, both day and night, including by avoiding indoor gatherings with people outside of your immediate household. We simply can’t afford to add further strain on the hospital system at this rate.”
“As the state’s data show, COVID-19 is in our communities no matter where you live. While recent news about vaccine development is encouraging, we don’t know exactly when a vaccine will be FDA-approved and widely available. We are asking everyone to do your part to care for the brave healthcare workers who are caring for COVID-19 patients and for all of you and your loved ones. They are devoted to staying on the job and being there for their patients. But they can’t fight this fight alone. Each of us can play a part to help control the spread of the virus by following the 3 W’s and by encouraging others to do the same,” Lawler said. “We appreciate Governor Cooper and other state, county, and local leaders across North Carolina who are making decisions intended to help all of us get through this pandemic. As the governor noted, we are especially grateful to all healthcare workers for continuing to put their lives on the line for our neighbors and communities.”
About NCHA
Founded in 1918, the North Carolina Healthcare Association (NCHA) is the united voice of the North Carolina healthcare community. Representing more than 130 hospitals, health systems, physician groups and other healthcare organizations, the NCHA works with our members to improve the health of North Carolina communities by advocating for sound public policies and collaborative partnerships and by providing insights, services, support and education to expand access to high-quality, efficient, affordable and integrated healthcare for all North Carolinians.
