Amid Increase In COVID-19 Cases, Doctors Say Don't Go To The ER For Minor Health Issues

By Jessica Guay, CBS Pittsburgh

September 16, 2021

Health professionals are urging patients to not go to the emergency room for minor, non-life-threatening health issues.

Many hospitals are experiencing long emergency room wait times as they tackle an increase in COVID-19 patients and staffing challenges.

UPMC did not specify how long wait times have been, but UPMC’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Donald Yealy said the demand for emergency care is very high right now.

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