NCHA and Healthcare Providers Recommend Shelter in Place Order

CARY, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In the interests of protecting the health and safety of all North Carolinians as much as possible, the North Carolina Healthcare Association (NCHA) and its more than 130 health system and hospital members have recommended to Governor Roy Cooper to immediately issue an order to Shelter in Place.

“It is clear that COVID-19 cases are increasing at a rapid rate. Personal protective equipment and supplies are running low in nearly every region of the state. We cannot afford to be led by a false sense of security created by a low number of confirmed cases. We do not have the luxury to think and act based in human time. COVID-19 follows its own timeline and pathway,” said Steve Lawler, President and CEO of the NCHA.

“Because of limited availability of tests and high-throughput technology, we do not have the data to fully understand the magnitude or timing of the anticipated surge in patients at hospitals. We expect to see a continued multiplying effect until the state implements a Shelter in Place directive,” he added. “It is imperative that we move quickly, as it will take at least two weeks after a Shelter in Place order is issued before we see a change in the trajectory of cases. Hospitals and physicians throughout the state believe this is the only resort left to immediately impact the growth and spread of the virus.”

North Carolina’s hospitals and health systems remind all citizens in local communities of the importance of frequent hand washing, covering coughs and social distancing. Please stay home whenever possible. The CDC also advises staying six feet from others if you must go out. The public is also asked to not visit hospitals and other medical facilities unless absolutely necessary.

About NCHA
Founded in 1918, 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, 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 health care for all North Carolinians.