I LOVE it!!!
Just had an interesting conversation with a relative that works at the local large medical center.
Starting soon they will be sending paramedics out into the community to triage people in their homes. Working in teams, they will be trying to keep the masses from showing up at the hospital, instead doing tests and initial assessments at the home. It reduces back up and ambulance trips. While at the same time, keeping the riff raff who can stay at home, at home.
This is the first time this health system has done this.
I found it a fascinating concept and certainly the most proactive thing Ive seen.
When I asked it they thought they would be busy...they said they were already busy with cases they are pretty sure are real but they are waiting on test. Then I heard the numbers in the local hospitals. More than I would have guessed.
They are emptying the hospital beds to rehab facilities by dismissing the 3 day stay rule for things like broken hips and what not.
I am not saying that they are piling upin fact the ED has been eerily quiet. The hypochondriacs have been staying home.
The person said its been creepy. Like before a blizzard or hurricane.
I also heard from another source at another hospital that closing the schools is putting a ton of pressure on the nursing and support staffs. Daycare/Childcare is going to be an issue.
I am not being hyperbolic or trying to generate any reaction. Just suggesting that the preps are escalating. And that is good.