On Friday, with the number of COVID-19 cases reaching their highest recorded levels this year, ENA President Mike Hastings offered the following reminder to the public about how everyone can help slow the spread of the virus:

"As the number of COVID-19 cases surge around the country and internationally, emergency departments and emergency nurses continue to actively care for the increasing number of patients with the virus. With positivity rates and hospitalizations climbing once again, now is the time for our communities to stay focused on taking the proper precautions as we all try to do our part to combat this pandemic.

 To help in that effort, the Emergency Nurses Association offers these important reminders:

- Listen to public health experts about the best ways to prevent the spread – wear a mask, wash hands often, avoid large gatherings and practice social distancing.

- Turn to reliable sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization, for COVID-19-related information and guidelines that can help us make good decisions in our everyday lives.

- If you think you’re having a medical emergency, do not delay seeking care at your nearest emergency department. They are safe and staffed with health care professionals ready to provide you the emergency care you need.

Emergency nurses and our partners in the emergency department stand at the ready on the front line today just as we did before this global public health crisis and will continue to do long after COVID-19."