Many people with health issues avoiding ER

STATEWIDE - Medical experts say they are concerned that people are avoiding the hospital because they fear the coronavirus.

Several medical groups including the American Heart Association issued a joint statement Wednesday.

They warned that they've seen a decrease in the number of life-threatening emergencies coming to hospitals across the country.

The emergencies included heart attacks and strokes.

Experts worry that people have suffered those conditions, but have refused to go for treatment.

The groups urge people to call 911 if they have an emergency.

They note that hospitals have protocols in place to sanitize their facilities and keep Covid-19 patients in isolation.