Doctors say don't delay trips to emergency room for non-COVID issues because of fear of virus

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Doctors with Ascension Wisconsin say people should not delay trips to the emergency room for non-coronavirus related issues during the pandemic. 

"We are seeing a concerning drop in the number of people coming in for serious non-COVID related issues," Dr. Gregory Brusko, Chief Clinical Officer, Ascension Wisconsin said in a press release, "Staying home, ignoring the symptoms and suffering out of fear of COVID-19 is a risk people shouldn't take with their health."

The hospital group said it is equipped to protect patients from potential exposure to COVID-19 while taking care of people who may have chest pain, stroke symptoms, traumatic injuries, emotional and mental health or other emergency needs. 

"What we're really starting to see is people who are staying home out of concern and when they do arrive people are sicker than what we would typically expect to see with heart attacks and with strokes," said Dr. Richard Shimp, Chief Medical Officer with Ascension Columbia St. Mary's Hospital Milwaukee. 

Shimp says they there are separate areas for COVID AND non-COVID patients. 

"I think it's very important for the public to understand that it is business as usual in our emergency department," said Shimp. "Fully staffed for COVID as well as non-COVID emergencies."