Tennessee hospital leaders say smaller gatherings, masks could combat 'second wave' of COVID-19
Kerri Bartlett
Nine medical leaders, representing state hospitals, released a letter on Tuesday about the dangers of COVID-19 during the Thanksgiving holiday.
Williamson Medical Center's CEO Don Webb was one of medical leaders to pen the open letter.
"Daily new cases, transmission rates and hospitalizations have surpassed the July levels, making this second wave bigger and more deadly than the first," the letter states.
"Medical experts and elected officials across our nation are sounding a warning about the rising numbers, and we — the state hospital leaders share their deep concerns, especially with Thanksgiving and the holiday season beginning this week."
If the upward trend continues, hospital systems could soon be overwhelmed, the medical professionals said.
Hospitals are experiencing staff shortages due to both the rising volumes of patients needing care and to the absence of medical professionals who have contracted the virus or are in quarantine because of a COVID-19 exposure.
"The cause of most of the exposures are coming from outside the hospital, from the rampant community spread of the virus in our state," the letter said.
The medical professionals urged all Tennesseans "in the strongest terms" to fight community spread and flatten the curve of this virus.
More than 700 patients — a 72% increase since Nov. 1 — in Middle Tennessee are hospitalized with COVID-19, the most patients since the pandemic began in March.
10% increase predicted
And the medical professionals predict an even greater rise in cases, following the holiday.
"Models are forecasting an additional 10% increase in COVID-19 patients by the end of next week. This weekly growth pattern is expected to continue until there is a slowdown in cases," the letter said.
"We know that this has been a long and challenging year. All of us would love nothing more than to gather and celebrate the holidays with family and friends. However, we must stay the course. Now is the time to take heed, keep socially distant and wear masks, even indoors."
The letter suggests that families hold a virtual holiday dinner or limit the number of guests.
"Consider having a virtual Thanksgiving dinner, and if you are gathering with people who live outside of your household, limit the dinner to eight," the doctors said.
"We must act, and act now to protect hospital capacity and to support those who have been on the front lines of this fight for months — our medical personnel, first responders and essential workers."
The medical leaders signing the letter included the following:
- Tim P. Adams, FACHE President/CEO, Ascension Saint Thomas & Ministry Market Executive, Ascension Tennessee
- Randy Davis, FACHE, MBA CEO/President, NorthCrest Health
- James E.K. Hildreth, Ph.D., M.D. President and CEO, Meharry Medical College
- Susan Peach, RN, BSN, MBA Market President, HighPoint Health System
- Wright Pinson, MD, MBA Deputy CEO and Chief Health System Officer, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Heather Rohan, FACHE Division President, TriStar Health
- H. Alan Watson, FACHE CEO, Maury Regional Health
- Don Webb CEO, Williamson Medical Center
- Joseph Webb, D.Sc., FACHE CEO, Nashville General Hospital
Kerri Bartlett covers issues affecting families, children and government in Williamson County. She can be reached at kbartlett@gannett.com, 615-308-8324 or @keb1414 on Twitter.