County data show that the total number of daily emergency visits for all local hospitals since mid-March, when stay-at-home orders took effect, has dropped 40 percent on average when compared to rates for the same time frame last year.

Though it is unclear exactly how many are paying the price, a recent spike in death-related emergency calls in San Diego County, despite the overall death rate appearing to hold steady, suggests that the individual reports emerging from the front lines, not just in San Diego but nationwide, are important warning signs that people are delaying needed medical care during the pandemic.

No one in public health seems to disagree. Just last week, Dr. Eric McDonald, the county’s epidemiology director, made a heartfelt plea during a daily COVID-19 briefing for patients not to ignore worrying symptoms. Similar pleas have been made by other public health officials, including Dr. Nick Yphantides, the county’s chief medical officer, and by individual hospitals and health care systems.

County data show that, from March 15 through April 26, hospitals throughout the county handled an average of 1,129 fewer emergency cases per day compared to 2019. It adds up to more than 48,000 fewer emergency visits than were seen across all local hospitals during the same span in 2018 and 2019.

Read more here: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/health/story/2020-05-04/covid-fear-hurting-san-diegans-in-need-of-emergency-care