COVID-19 Advice for Lynn Residents

As is the case throughout Massachusetts, the number of COVID-19 cases in Lynn and surrounding communities have risen sharply over the past week and is expected to rise through at least the middle of April. As everyday life is on hold, the fo­cus on health and well-being has never been greater. North Shore Medical Center and Lynn Community Health Center, in collaboration with the City of Lynn, are in daily com­munication and closely coordi­nating our community’s response to COVID-19. Both institutions are preparing to meet increased demand for both inpatient and goal of minimizing the number of patients who need hospitaliza­tion. Members of the public have an important role to play in mak­ing sure our hospitals and health centers do not get overwhelmed: • Continue to follow the key CDC recommendations for stay­ing healthy: wash your hands fre­quently, avoid close contact with those who are sick, stay home when you are sick, cover your coughs and sneezes, and clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. • Follow the Governor’s advi­sory to stay at home for all but essential business, and practice social distancing when out and about. This has already helped us slow down the progress of the disease in our state and commu­nity. • When you are sick, call your doctor’s office immediate­ly—do not come into a health­care facility, including an urgent care, health center or emergency room, unless you are instructed to do so. There are many ways your doctor can help you through telephone or video. If you do need to see a doctor, you will be given special instructions about how to do so. This approach will help keep you and your loved ones, as well as healthcare staff, from unnecessary exposure to COVID-19. • Please DO NOT go to the Emergency Department unless you are experiencing severe dis­tress for a life-threating emer­gency, such as stroke, heart at­tack or major traumatic injury. Please help us conserve hospital beds for those most in need. ...