Healthcare workers have a simple message for everyone:Stay home.

Doctors and nurses are sharing signs from hospitals all over the world as they work on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has so far killed over 11,000 people globally.

At the time of reporting, on March 21, there are 276,000 confirmed coronavirus cases worldwide, with that number expected to increase significantly. Over 1,000 of those infections are in Australia.

The main aim of governments and populations is to ‘ flatten the curve’ — that is, mitigating the community transmission of coronavirus to keep the number of new cases at a manageable level, so as not to overwhelm our healthcare systems.

How do we do that? By social distancing and staying at home, which will significantly decrease the chances of coming into contact with the virus.

Important to remember that #Covid -19 epidemic control measures may only delay cases, not prevent. However, this helps limit surge and gives hospitals time to prepare and manage. It’s the difference between finding an ICU bed & ventilator or being treated in the parking lot tent. pic.twitter.com/VOyfBcLMus

— Drew A. Harris, DPM, MPH (@drewaharris) February 28, 2020

The Australian Medical Association has released a statement in regards to the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the healthcare system, saying: “We are concerned Australia has not moved fast enough to contain community transmission by taking the type of significant community control measures like those that have stalled community transmission in Singapore and Hong Kong.

“The AMA has for some time called for banning of large public gatherings. This is an overdue need to protect and ensure the health of the Australian community. Mass gathering bans should have been established earlier.”

As of this past week, the Federal Government has put a ban on non-essential outdoor gatherings of more than 500 people, and a limit of indoor gatherings to 100 people. People are also advised to keep at least 1.5 metres away from others in order to prevent possible transmission of the virus.

However, there is great concern that too many people are ignoring the clear instructions to practise social distancing.

Here is what the nurses and doctors from Australia and beyond are pleading for the public to do…

Doctors and health workers across the world are giving up time with their loved ones to help keep ours safe and well. They have a simple request for all their hard work in combating #coronavirus … #socialdistancing #stayathome #stayhomeforus #COVID2019AU #medtwitter pic.twitter.com/z9EUsiYnvs

— AMA Media (@ama_media) March 19, 2020

I’m a Dr.

I’m about to separate from my family within my home for ?? months.

So that I can keeping treating you, whilst trying to keep my family safe.

It hurts.

No hugs from my girls, no cuddles from my partner.

PLS socially distance NOW, to make my sacrifice worth it.

— Seema (@seemathewombat) March 16, 2020

Message from the Doctors ???????? #COVID19 #StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/kvXNv1x7s8

— ???????????????????????????????????????? (@JewelsJourneys) March 19, 2020

These NHS staff have stayed at work for you.

Please stay at home for them.

Please RT to remind others to as well. #StaySafeStayHome

PS NHS staff, please share your pictures like this and tag us in pic.twitter.com/Z6lrKm3q71

— NHS Million (@NHSMillion) March 19, 2020

We are at work for you.

Please stay home for us. #StaySafeStayHome #StayHomeSaveLives #healthcare #PPE #ppeisnotoptional pic.twitter.com/Jgf9jYcWCP

— Dr. Nina L. Shapiro (@drninashapiro) March 18, 2020

Tonight we are at work for you. Please stay at home for us. #FrontLineHeroes #StaySafeStayHome #CoronaCrisis pic.twitter.com/fYATj0rRT8

— SIPTU Health Division (@siptuhealth) March 20, 2020

Fair play these ladies at @BasildonHosp are amazing!!! #ThankYouNHS for keeping us all safe :) Not a bad song either hey @ollymurs:) pic.twitter.com/SEoTE4wapZ

— Ryan Worley (@RyanWorley86) March 20, 2020

During our staff meeting one of our directors said, “We brave the AIDS epidemic through the dedication of many of you. We can make it through COVID too.” We are all teary-eyed.

We are flattening the curve! Stay at home! #StayAtHomeForUs #ProtectTheVulnerable #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/d5sJ2UMOcw

— Nurse Igor [MPH, BSN, RN, PHN] (@MightyigorRn) March 19, 2020

Read more:

The Australian Government Department of Health advises that the only people who will be tested for COVID-19 are those with symptoms who have either returned from overseas in the past 14 days or been in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case in the past 14 days.

If you are sick and believe you have symptoms of COVID-19, call your GP ahead of time to book an appointment. Or call the national Coronavirus Health Information Line for advice on 1800 020 080. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.

To keep up to date with the latest information, please visit the Department of Health website.

Feature image: Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

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