AdventHealth doctors don't want citizens to skip emergency room visits due to COVID-19 fears

Palm Coast Observer
News

While your first reaction should be to self-assess for COVID-19 and potential risk factors, AdventHealth doctors don't want you to bypass an emergency room visit if you're feeling like your symptoms — whether related to COVID-19 or not — are putting you in danger.

In a morning briefing on Thursday, July 16, Dr. Ademola Adewale, emergency medicine physician at AdventHealth East Orlando, said the hospital is still here for citizens should they have concerns about their health.

“I do not want our population to try to play doctors," Adewale said. "You know your body more than anybody else and if you feel like something is not right, then please come. Let’s check you out.”

COVID-19 cases in the state of Florida increased by 13,965 on Thursday, July 16. Of those, 215 were reported in Volusia County with a positivity rate of 15.2%. Flagler County reported 19 new cases and a 9.8% positivity rate.

During the stay-at-home order issued by the governor back in April, Adewale said the hospital's emergency department visits dropped by 70% because people were scared of being infected with the coronavirus if they came to the hospital. AdventHealth is taking the precautions to prevent that from occurring, Adewale reassured.

Dr. Ramon Nunez, medical director at AdventHealth Celebration, said citizens should continue to take preventative precautions against COVID-19, such as wearing masks while in public.

“My mask protects you and it is your mask that protects me," Nunez said. "So hopefully after all of this, we’re all a little more thoughtful and more considerate and kinder to each other.”

A pediatric report by the state showed that children accounted for 31% of coronavirus cases Florida. With that data showing 1 in 3 children tested for the coronavirus obtained a positive result, Adewale said these children often have mild to no symptoms. Nunez said that if a child develops symptoms, the family unit should all stay home to quarantine.

“Usually, thank God, the pediatric population, because they’re so young and healthy, are resilient and recover well," Nunez said.