CHICAGO — The leading U.S. medical and health organizations today called on the American people to stay home to help reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and limit its long-term health effect on our country.

The open letter from the American Medical Association, American Hospital Association, and American Nurses Association is available here. 

The full text is below:

Open letter to the American public:

Physicians, nurses and our entire medical community are urging all people to stay at home.  We are honored to serve and put our lives on the front line to protect and save as many lives as possible. But we need your help.  

Physical distancing and staying at home are the key to slowing the spread of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) to give physicians, nurses and everyone on the front lines a fighting chance at having the equipment, time and resources necessary to take on this immense challenge. Those contracting COVID-19 are your family, friends, and loved ones.

That’s why we’re urging the public to #StayHome as we reach the critical stages of our national response to COVID-19. Of course, those with urgent medical needs, including pregnant women, should seek care as needed. Everyone else should #StayHome.

Millions of you are already leading this effort – and we thank you. You’re still connecting with friends and loved ones through video chats, social media or just over the telephone - proving that meaningful social connections can happen at a safe distance. Millions more must join this effort, which is why we’re calling for all-hands-on-deck to confront this public health battle against COVID-19.

Staying at home in this urgent moment is our best defense to turn the tide against COVID-19. Physicians, nurses and health care workers are staying at work for you. Please stay at home for us.

Your partners in health,

American Hospital Association

American Medical Association

American Nursing Association