With coronavirus infections on a sharp rise, Lithuanian medical associations circulated a statement, asking people to “slow down with [your] lives” so that the medical services are not overwhelmed.
“The situation is getting increasingly difficult. We are already working without days off, we are tired, but very worried about what will happen and what would happen if things don't change,” reads the open letter by the country's medical workers circulated on Wednesday.
Read more: Understaffed and overwhelmed: Lithuania's health officials struggle to contain pandemic
The coronavirus is spreading faster than last spring, according to the statement, and more than half of hospital beds for Covid-19 patients are already filled.
“We will soon be forced to halt other medical services,” the medics say. “One day, the unimaginable can happen and we are no longer able to take proper care of patients with this virus or other live-threatening diseases.”
In order to avoid a complete shutdown of the county, “we must all live a little slower”, the doctors plead.
They ask the public to give up unnecessary meetings, travel, friend gatherings, parties and festivities, gym. “Always wear facemasks when leaving home, wash your hands, disinfect surfaces, keep distance in public places.”
The letter also pleads to pay particular attention to the safety of elder people.
“We ask you: let's slow down with our lives and protect ourselves, our close ones, us doctors, Lithuania's economy as well as our income and welfare,” the letter concludes.
The statement has been signed by a dozen associations and unions, representing medical doctors, nurses, public health workers, medical institutions, and other healthcare workers.
Read more: Lithuania to put 12 municipalities under quarantine
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