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Hospital and County Public Health Leaders Urge Judicious Use of Emergency Departments During Omicron Variant Surge

As the omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus spreads rapidly throughout California, county public health officials and hospital leaders are urging all residents to avoid seeking testing or treatment of mild symptoms at hospital emergency departments. 

Hospitals are needed for those with severe COVID-19 symptoms or other critical illnesses. 

Most people who contract coronavirus do not need to visit a hospital emergency department and can recover from their illness at home, or by seeking primary care treatment.

As hospital beds continue to fill, health care workers are again stretching themselves to the limit, and they need your help. Please do your part in the following ways:

  • Get vaccinated
  • If eligible, get a booster shot
  • Wear a mask in all public places
  • Reserve your use of hospitals for emergency care only