CRESCENT CITY, Calif. — Over the last several days, Sutter Coast Hospital has seen a significant increase in the number of COVID positive patients seeking emergency medical care, which has required the hospital to activate its surge plan. This has put an enormous strain on community and hospital resources, and with the high transmission that we are seeing in the community, we expect this number will continue to rise unless our community does something to alter the current situation.

Therefore, we would like to support the statement put out earlier this week by Del Norte County Public Health and the Del Norte Office of Emergency Services recommending that our residents do not attend large gatherings at this time. It is vital that the community do everything possible to reduce the spread of this virus including postponing events whenever possible. If you must go out, please wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, and maintain 6 feet of space between yourself and those not in your household. Also, for those eligible, get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Please know safety precautions at the hospital remain in effect to help protect the health and safety of patients and staff, and we urge people to come to the hospital if you need care. This includes universal masking and requiring physical distancing wherever possible. We have also reinstituted a visitor restriction policy.

This community has always supported one another during difficult times, and we anticipate that this time will be no different. Let us come together and protect our friends, family and neighbors by doing what we need to do to get this virus under control.

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