Titled to mimic U-S President John F. Kennedy's inaugural challenge to Americans in 1961, Elliot Lake St. Joseph's General Hospital CEO Pierre Ozolins has issued a challenge to all of us, in the fight against COVID-19.
“Ask not what your healthcare system can do for you, but rather ask what you can do for your healthcare system,” Ozolins issued a news release Saturday.
"On January 20, 1961, during his inaugural address, President John F. Kennedy appealed to his nation to look beyond where they were. Today your healthcare system is appealing to you, every Canadian, every Ontarian, every Elliot Laker: 'Ask Not What Your Healthcare System Can Do For You, But Rather Ask What You Can Do For Your Healthcare System.'
"The States of New York and Michigan, in large parts surround Ontario. New York is now the new epicentre for COVID-1 infection in the United States and Michigan appears to be next in the cross hairs of this pandemic. Ontario, take note, the COVID-1 virus is at our door,"
"There are many intelligent and dedicated citizens working tirelessly on the front lines and in the background, planning on how we will cope with what will be a tsunami in hospital admissions. Make no mistake, this will be a tsunami of epic proportions.
"A mere five weeks ago, we were collectively talking about hallway medicine. While hallway medicine may have faded from our consciousness and lexicon, the problem has not changed, nor mysteriously disappeared," Ozolins explained. "The reality is that there is currently little room to increase capacity and things will become drastically worse if citizens don’t do their part."
He said this is personal, "This is why our beloved and cherished healthcare system is appealing to all citizens. This is why I am appealing to each and every one of you. Your healthcare system needs you. Your healthcare system needs you to do your part at stopping the spread of the COVID-1 virus."
"Consider this a matter of your civic duty. Your healthcare system requires that you social distance at 2 metres / 6 feet. That means everywhere – home, work, in line ups, even while you are ice fishing. The COVID-19 virus does not discriminate between family members, your socioeconomic status, the colour of your skin, your intelligence, whether you are young or old, whether you are in great shape or out of shape."
"Your personal civic duties are as follows;
- maintain social distancing (2m / 6 ft distance from others)
- if you have been out of the country, isolate at home
- wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- sneeze and cough into your sleeve
- avoid contact with people who are sick
- stay at home if you are sick
- do not visit a long-term care facility, retirement home, hospital or other congregate living places.
- remind others to adhere to the civic duties noted above.
Your healthcare system needs you now. #FlattentheCurve."
More information on COVID-19 can be found on Ontario Public Health www.publichealthontario.ca