Doctors Plead With Public Not To Let Guard Down

I've said multiple times that one of the difficult things about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic is its longevity. Sure, most of us can abide by certain extra rules for awhile. But after months and months of openings, shutdowns, new mandates and the same old warnings, it can all make you feel worn out. Call it COVID fatigue. But as we head into a three day holiday weekend, doctors are pleading with the public not to let their guard down just because they want to have a good time.

Doctor Jorge Salinas is an Infectious Disease Specialist at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. He told CBS2 that even though people want to have fun on a holiday weekend, forgetting the rules of the pandemic could make the situation even worse. Salinas stated that "he would strongly encourage people to limit gatherings to less than 10, or fewer, if possible." He also noted that younger people should avoid socializing with people over the age of 50.

Dr. Salinas told CBS2 that younger people tend to take more risks in general, one reason why they make up a majority of cases in the state of Iowa. He said while they may experience fewer symptoms and have a lower risk of death, we still don't know the long term impacts of the virus. CBS2 reports that a new study out of Penn State looked at Big Ten athletes that had contracted the virus. Nearly a third of them were found to have inflammation of the heart muscles. The condition can be fatal if left untreated.

Dr. Salinas said that wearing a mask, washing your hands, and social distancing are basic protections you should take if you want to socialize this weekend.