Thanks to a diligent St. Joe's nurse, a drunk who lied, was moved to the COVID area

Having to go to the ER at any time is a scary and stressful experience. The addicts and alcoholics who "ER hop" in Humboldt during a pandemic are more than just an annoyance. They could infect you with the coronavirus.

Yesterday, a drunk, older woman wanted to detox. She could barely follow or comprehend basic directions. She had just been to Mad River the previous day. She told the nurse she was negative for COVID 19 and had been tested. Mad River did not test her. St. Joe's fortunately is not as lax.

Thanks to this diligent St. Joe's nurse who did her job, that lie was checked on and the woman was seated in the COVID area. She was in the non COVID area briefly. The area where she was and nearby area had to be sanitized. People suffering with life threatening conditions had to wait while this was done. Fortunately, at that time, there were only a few other people in the non COVID area and physical distancing was being practiced.

It was heartbreaking yesterday at St. Joe's ER to see a father leave his child so that his wife could come in and be with their child. If you happen to go to the ER, you cannot have a support person accompany you, they have to wait outside. There are some exceptions and I don't know the criteria. A guard sits in the lobby of the ER between the COVID and non COVID area. You get screened before entering the lobby.

Hospital rooms and areas have to be sanitized and disinfected between each patient, more stringently than the usual procedure  during this pandemic.

Next time you see City Ambulance out there or a nurse or staff member from St. Joe's, thank them. They don't get the option of staying home, closing their building to the public or choosing who they interact with during this pandemic.

I have seen them do their job with compassion and professionalism before COVID 19 and they continue to do so now.