06 January 2021
In Los Angeles, COVID-crammed hospitals have been turning away ambulances and paramedics have been directed not to transport patients with little chance of survival. Oxygen is rationed.
LA’s mayor says an infection occurs there every six seconds and it’s feared LA County’s COVID-related death toll will soon surpass 1,000 a day.
Over in Britain, PM Boris Johnson announces that more than one million people in England have the coronavirus, as the UK hits another record of daily infections with a further 60,000 positive tests.
So, it’s not surprising that Emily Regan, a young Australian nurse working in Accident and Emergency at a major London hospital, simply doesn’t have the time of day for COVID deniers.
“I am lucky to have good mental health, but it's been hard to see colleagues struggling. I have seen some brilliant nurses just be done with it all and leave. It is such a loss,’’ Emily is quoted by ABC News.
“On Boxing Day, morale was really low. We were just so busy and understaffed, and I found myself becoming easily irritated. My colleagues noticed I wasn't my usual upbeat, joking self. I try to put on a friendly, happy face for my patients but it can be draining, so my colleagues aren't getting the best version of me when they need it the most.
“Occasionally, I run into COVID deniers protesting outside the hospital. It no longer shocks me. I just don't engage. I originally did but there's no point anymore. People don't want to have an educated discussion.
“Once someone's seen a patient who is hypoxic from this virus and is aware of the time and resources directed at saving their life, then they have the right to an opinion. Otherwise, stay in your lane. I'm not going to waste my limited time on you.’’
Read the harrowing and very real COVID accounts of Emily and other Australian nurses working in under-siege Britain,
here.