Local hospitals, health authorities issue message:
Wear masks, social distance, wash hands
TEXARKANA — Two Texarkana hospitals and county health authorities on both sides of the state line have issued a strong message about reducing the spread of COVID-19.
In the open letter addressed to the community on Thursday, hospitals and health authorities urge residents to help as the number of COVID-19 patients in the area has increased significantly over recent weeks.
Hospitalizations have also risen, according to the letter from top officials at CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System, Wadley Regional Medical Center, Bowie County Health Authority and Miller County Health Authority.
“Reducing the spread of COVID-19 requires everyone to participate in safe practices throughout our daily lives — every day, every time. It is proven people wearing face masks in public, social distancing by maintaining a physical distance of at least six feet from others and practicing frequent hand hygiene reduces the spread of the virus. We are writing this unified message to ask the people of Texarkana and surrounding counties to do these three simple things to help us save lives and prevent further surge of COVID-19,” the letter states.
The officials express concern about these trends and assure the community that they’ll work together to confront this pandemic.
“Both hospitals have worked diligently to ensure safe and accessible healthcare for all in need. We communicate regularly and are confident in our abilities to provide safe care to all with compassion and
professionalism,” the letter states.
The letter reminds the community that masks are mandated when entering either hospital, as is screening. This is to keep everyone safe, ranging from staff to patients, physicians to essential visitors.
“We applaud businesses as well as individuals who have supported and practiced the proven measures as a means of being part of the solution. Our citizens and neighbors have been resilient throughout the history of our community, unifying to overcome challenges, and now we need each and every one of us to step up again,” the letter states.
Authorities explain that local efforts successfully flattened the curve for case numbers. However, masking, physical distancing and washing hands will work to change the current trend of increased COVID-19.
“The reopening of the economy undeniably has been critical but has added challenges, and we have witnessed increasing COVID19 cases. It is important we continue to work together to prevent the spread of COVID-19 for our health and our economic situation,” officials stress in the letter. “We strongly believe the people of this community can, and should, be able to continue the practices needed to earn a living and support our economy. But, for future success, we need everyone to engage in all of the needed steps to limit your risk of exposure as well as protect those around you.”
The letter is signed by Jason Rounds, president of CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System; Thomas Gilbert, president of Wadley Regional Medical Center; Dr. Matt Young, Bowie County Health Authority; and Dr. Jerry Stringfellow, Miller County Health Authority.