The CEO of the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics is counting on Iowans to change the course of COVID-19 in the state.
Suresh Gunasekaran says this third peak in cases is different than the first two.
Not only is there a steep increase in cases across the entire state, but also hospitalizations are up, cases have increased in surrounding states, and it's nearly flu season.
He's not as concerned about the availability of beds, but that hospitals will have enough staff with the right skills to take care of both COVID patients and others.
In May and July, Gunasekaran says Iowans responded to calls for social distancing, wearing face coverings, and hand-washing. And their efforts helped flatten the curve so hospitals were not overwhelmed. Now, the hospital CEO says it's critical for everyone to double down again and follow CDC guidelines.
Gunasekaran is currently helping the university hospitals and clinics prepare for a surge in COVID-19 patients, plus transfers from other locations. He also says the holidays this year must be celebrated differently to slow the spread of the disease.
