As was projected, Omicron made it to a location near us. In the midst of all the bad news, there is good news as well. Similar to the Delta wave, it seems the Omicron wave has a super intensity impact initially with relief about one month later. For the Northeast, that is great news (New York Times); for the Midwest, it means a potentially intense next month. Even before the next big wave hits, “Thank you healthcare workers” and many more who serve us.
Healthcare Workers and System
Recently Ed Yong, writing for The Atlantic, sounded the alarm for our healthcare system. He writes, “Omicron is inundating a health-care system that was already buckling under the cumulative toll of every previous surge.” The article explains the intense toll and heavy burdens of Omicron on healthcare workers and the system at large. He sounds an alarm. Yong writes, “By the end of the month, according to the CDC’s forecasts, COVID will be sending at least 24,700 and up to 53,700 Americans to the hospital every single day.” If we hit just the lowest prediction, we stop to realize how impacting this is on a stressed system.
CoxHealth, a local healthcare provider in the Springfield, MIssouri area, made dramatic shifts this week. Primary care physicians are adjusting their schedules to treat more patients who are acutely ill. They are moving some staff and appointments as they seek to manage the surge. Urgent care facilities are experiencing almost double the visits as this time last year. CoxHealth posted on Facebook, “In the coming weeks, expect busy hospitals, Emergency Departments and urgent cares. We are asking everyone to be patient, to understand why we are busy and to be kind to our staff and others.”
As CoxHealth CEO states, after the immediate surge of four to six weeks, things should get much better.
For All of Us, Lets Practice Intentional Gratitude
To all of those who serve us in healthcare, sincerely thank you.
During these times of inconvenience, shifting levels of care, and changing CDC guidance, we must each choose to practice intentional gratitude. No doubt there will be times we are exasperated to one degree or another. For those of us who catch the Omicron variant, we will be tempted toward ingratitude, impatience, and frustration. Even before this potentially happens, we must choose now how we will respond then.
In these moments of intense pressure to whatever degree happens around us, we must determine to be light to those around us, show intentional gratitude, express our care, serve sacrificially where needed, and honor Christ.
Looking down the road at the next four to six weeks, we do not know what will happen. Uncertainties exist. Possibly those we love will suffer. Potentially we may have it ourselves. Whatever that looks like, we want to proactively express our gratitude for those who seek to help us.
Thank You Healthcare Workers and Many More
All around our communities, people sacrifice every day to serve us. The healthcare system stands at the front of this long list. However, law enforcement, firemen, first responders, school personnel, store employees, and so many more also serve so valiantly. Day after day these individuals go out in public, do their jobs, and put themselves at risk in one fashion or another. As Omicron seem inevitable for so many of these people who work in and with the public, again, lets thank them for their efforts and service to us.
In all these things, we pray. We ask God to spare us of the worst conditions. May God heal those who are sick; may He give wisdom to those serving in all manner of public and private healthcare. In everything, may we who follow Jesus demonstrate trust in God, gratitude toward many, and live out the gospel we proclaim.
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