First Do No Harm With COVID-19: Corona Collateral Damage Syndrome
General Material Designation
[Article]
First Statement of Responsibility
Stock, Lawrence; Brown, Mark; Bradley, Georgienne
SUMMARY OR ABSTRACT
Text of Note
Language matters and communication has consequences, sometimes unforseen. During the Covid-19 public health emergency, public health and elected leaders messaged ''Stay at Home'' to encourage social distancing to reduce viral transmission. The message in combination with a widespread public fear of acquiring Covid-19 at hospital emergency rooms, resulted in a steep decline in ER visits, even for time sensitive conditions. The Corona Collateral Damage Syndrome is described. A public health messaging course correction is suggested to encourage people with emergencies to come to the emergency room for care.
SET
Date of Publication
2020
Title
Western Journal of Emergency Medicine: Integrating Emergency Care with Population Health