Local healthcare providers concerned about patients delaying care

KENNEWICK, Wash.-- Efforts to reduce strain on health care providers early on in the COVID-19 pandemic have continue, with health care providers saying they see patients ignoring symptoms of illness until it's almost too late.

James Seay is the Director of Emergency Services at Trios Health in Kennewick, and says health care facilities are taking every precaution to keep patients and staff safe, and prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

"Everybody is masked up whether they're a patient or whether they're staff. We screen people when they come in and make sure that they're not symptomatic, that they don't have fevers, and we isolate the people who do have those symptoms," Seay said.

If you are feeling sick or dealing with chronic pain, your first stop should be to regular primary care provider, whether by visiting the doctor's office, or seeking out telehealth options. However, if an emergency arises, you're encouraged to visit an emergency room or urgent care center right away.

"Hospitals and ERs specifically exist to care for people who need care. This is what we do. We do it every day, we do it all the time whether it's COVID or something else. We don't want people delaying the care that they need for any reason," Seay said.

Hear Jenna's full conversation with James Seay: