CHICAGO, Ill. – More officials are sounding a refrain that has become all too familiar during the COVID-19 pandemic, but maybe moreso in the last month or so with the Omicron variant becoming prevalent.
Hospital workers are tired.
“Hospital workers are fatigued, and weary of this ever-present virus, and its impact on their families, friends, and neighbors,” said A.J. Wilhelmi, president, Illinois Health and Hospital Association. “They see and experience the heartbreak it has caused, but remain committed and compassionate, and they are standing tall.”
Wilhelmi says there was a shortage of nurses and other healthcare officials pre-pandemic that’s made worse now, any time a worker becomes sick themselves or has to quarantine and can’t work.
Governor JB Pritzker says the only way right now to lessen their burden is to get vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19, and stay home if you’re sick.
“We do have the tools to get through this,” said Pritzker. “It’s time for everyone to join in using those tools.”
The state estimates at the present time, 90 percent of those who get infected are also not vaccinated.
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