my thoughts re: current #Omicron wave
1- We will all get it (virtually everyone). It's just too infectious to stop
2- Right now we need to limit spread. Skip that big NYE party.
How can BOTH be true?
Answer: bc our HC system is collapsing. Each additional case hurts people.
1/ Hospitals are overstretched across the U.S. bc they are short-staffed. Crisis standards of care already common.
Rapid spread over next few weeks will BOTH increase patients in hospital AND pull HC workers out (as they become COVID+).
Some hospitals will break.
2/

This weekend I caught up w/ 2 non-medical friends (social distance or phone) and they commented that I seemed frustrated. I think they are correct. As a HCW & leader of HCWs, I feel confident saying we have been happy to be on frontline. This is why we chose these fields.
BUT
1/ I understand the incredible hardship the business closures, stay-at-home orders and other rules have meant for millions of Americans. The economic hardship is terrible, and we must address it as a society.
2/

How much should the State of R.I. prepare for #COVID19 surge?

this is an important debate.

I am an ER doc and chair. I am conservative when planning. We should be prepared for a surge. But how big will surge be?

Important bc #NYC needs resources now
1/ There is difference between models: @IHME_UW vs. model used by @RIHEALTH
Both predict peak in 2-3 weeks
@IHME_UW predicts ~850 hospitalized pts
@RIHEALTH predicts many fold more hospitalized pts
2/

"is #COVID19 airborne?"
The #1 concern among my faculty, residents & APPs…
So let me explain why I believe the @WHO & why I am OK wearing a surgical mask for my entire shift (& safety glasses & handwashing!) AND only wearing N95 (or CAPR) during aerosol-generating procedures
1/

https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1243972193169616898

Of note – this thread does not apply to intubation, bronch and clearly aerosol generating procedures (AGPs).
2/

Agree masks for general public NOT useful.

BUT let's not blame the public for the shortage of PPE for health care workers and facilities.

We have known since SARS that we needed stockpiles of PPE.
We have known since January that #COVID19 was coming.
We failed to prepare.
1/

https://twitter.com/Surgeon_General/status/1233725785283932160

We need swift gov't action to produce masks, gloves, gowns, eye protection for HC workers.

Front line EMS, emergency nurses & docs, techs, RTs, transport, Envir Svcs, etc. are all at greatest risk.

They come to work at personal risk. We owe them PPE
@EmergencyDocs @ENAorg
2/