The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends continued use of virtual visits and triage help lines and adherence to CDC infection control guidance, based on results from a new study looking at the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency department visits in the U.S.

Looking at electronic health data from Jan. 1, 2019 through May 30, 2020, the National Syndromic Surveillance Program (NSSP) found that emergency department (ED) visits declined 42% during the early COVID-19 pandemic, from a mean of 2.1 million per week (March 31–April 27, 2019) to 1.2 million (March 29–April 25, 2020), with the steepest decreases in persons aged ≤14 years, females, and the Northeast. The proportion of infectious disease-related visits was four times higher during the early pandemic period.

It is important to not ignore symptoms of heart attack or stroke. Hospitals have procedures and safety measures in place to prevent infection. Getting care is critical, and limits damage to health. Learn more with CardioSmart and view an infographic.

Clinical Topics: Cardiovascular Care Team, COVID-19 Hub

Keywords: Coronavirus, Coronavirus Infections, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, COVID-19, Emergency Service, Hospital, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S., Myocardial Infarction, Stroke, Infection Control

< Back to Listings