If you have been hesitant to go to the hospital or doctor due to COVID-19 concerns, medical experts are saying that you should feel safe and secure to go if you need to. The Center for Disease Control released a study that emergency room visits for chest pain and heart attacks fell sharply, while the number of heart attack deaths increased.

Officials from Memorial Health System, HSHS Illinois, Springfield Clinic, and SIU Medicine have emphasized their safety precautions.  Local medical leaders agree with the CDC that some people are postponing care and urge residents to come in. If you delay care it could worsen your condition or endanger your life.

Memorial Health System, HSHS Illinois, Springfield Clinic, and SIU Medicine is following infection guidelines and have taken precautionary measures to help you ease your concern.  Among those include COVID-19 testing for anyone undergoing surgery at least 72 hours prior, social distancing measures, masks required for all, and drive up labs including video/telephone visits when acceptable.

For more information, contact your personal health care provider.