Be ready for a surge

SANDUSKY — Things could look much better in a month, but, for now, health care professionals must prepare for a surge in the number of patients seeking help in the weeks ahead, Erie County health commissioner Pete Schade said Tuesday. Schade was a guest on the Register's public affairs program "Between the Lines." "We have to be ready for an exponential increase in the number of people testing positive," Schade said. "That doesn't mean that's what is going to happen. It just means we have to be ready for it in case it does." Watch the program on-demand at the Register's YouTube channel or at the COVID-19 local news feed at sanduskyregister.com Schade announced Tuesday that the former Lutheran Home off Bardshar Road on the west end of Sandusky has been leased and will be converted to serve as an overflow hospital, if it's needed. He also urged everyone to take the stay-at-home order seriously and limit their contacts outside their homes. "We're imploring people, at this point, please consider what it is you're doing today. If you don't need to go to the store, then don't do it. Please don't take your family with you. Don't make an event about going to the grocery store. Get in and get out," Schade said. "Take care of yourself, wash your hands, keep a distance and heed the advice of the precautions that are out there." The health care community and other leaders in the community have been working together for some time preparing for a surge, he said, and the state has been providing shipments of personal protection equipment and other needed equipment for hospital workers and first responders.