Statement attributable to:
Susan R. Bailey, MD
President, American Medical Association

“In far too many states—in rural and urban locations—we are seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases that could lead to further illness, deaths and other potentially dangerous impacts on health systems across the country. Physicians, scientists and public health experts are learning more every day about COVID-19, but we already know what stops the spread of the virus—wearing a face mask, maintaining physical distancing, and washing your hands regularly for 20 seconds. Adhering to these simple steps is the most effective way to prevent deaths and safely allow re-opening to continue. America’s physicians and the men and women on the front lines of this health care crisis urge you: do not confuse re-opening with returning to normal. Acting as though COVID-19 is behind us now will lead to another surge of COVID-19 cases. We appreciate that many people have been taking steps over the last several months to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but we urge the public to continue to be vigilant in taking steps to mitigate the spread of the virus.

“Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) shortages remain an ongoing challenge and a significant hurdle that is preventing physician practices from re-opening. With PPE still in short supply, a second surge in COVID-19 cases not only risks additional lives—it jeopardizes routine medical care and procedures and endangers our health care workers. The AMA continues to urge the Administration to implement a national coordinated strategy on the production, acquisition, and distribution of PPE supplies to both ensure that the extreme shortages faced by front-line providers during the initial COVID-19 surges will not recur and help non-hospital health care practices to re-open safely for routine patient care.”