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MADISON, Wisconsin (WMTV) – Thousands of faculty and staff at UW Health issued an open letter ahead of the holiday season to start a “difficult conversation” with Wisconsin.
“Wisconsin is in bad shape right now, with no sign of things improving without action,” the letter read. “We are, quite simply, short of time. Without immediate change, our hospitals will be too full to treat all those who have the virus and those who suffer from other illnesses or injuries. “
As Thanksgiving approaches, the letter explains how health workers still hear about large gatherings that will take place despite recommendations from health officials.
The CDC strongly recommends no Thanksgiving travel, and Dane County encourages the community to limit Thanksgiving celebrations to those who live in immediate homes.
If people don’t follow these guidelines, healthcare workers fear these gatherings will no longer send people to overcrowded COVID-19 hospital units.
“In our hospitals, we have patients who are breathless, need a ventilator to survive and die too often,” the letter read. “Many of them were walking around healthy a few days ago. Some tell us they didn’t think COVID-19 was serious. Others say they just wanted to live their lives and get back to normal.
The letter comes as Wisconsin passed two grim COVID-19 milestones on Saturday: more than 3,000 deaths and more than 350,000 positive cases have been recorded, according to the Department of Health Services.
“Soon you or someone you love might need us, but we won’t be able to provide you with the life-saving care you need, whether it’s for COVID-19, cancer, heart disease. or other urgent conditions, ”the letter said. “As health care providers, we are terrified of this becoming a reality.”
Even with the anticipated arrival of a vaccine before the New Year, those at UW Health who issued the letter stressed that the virus is still very much present in communities at this time. The letter urges people across the state to continue to wear masks, to physically distance themselves and to avoid large gatherings.
“Wisconsin, you are our family,” the letter read. “Our only hope right now is you. Please work with us to overcome this pandemic. “
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