SALT LAKE CITY — The doctors and nurses who staff Utah’s intensive care units have been working overtime in dangerous conditions for months. Today, they gave an emotional plea to the public to help stem the surge of COVID-19 for the health and safety of everyone.
At the University of Utah Hospital, they’ve opened a surge ICU after reaching capacity. Staff there say the isolation required because of the contagion is cruel to patients, and it also hides the extent of the problem from the public.
"COVID has consumed my life since February and it has terrified me." said Nurse Katrina Emery."This hasn't been easy for anyone, but all I ask is that you do what you can to protect yourself, protect me and protect our community."
"I saw the nurses who have been working additional shifts to open an additional ICU for the last five months, and I said 'How are you guys doing?,' and they said we are exhausted." said Dr. Kencee Graves
"We need you, as our community, more than ever."
"I urge you to mask up and physically distance because we cannot keep working like we have."