Inova Emergency Departments, in particular, across the system are experiencing a significant surge in patient volume and are operating at or over capacity. For every patient discharged another is waiting to be admitted. 

While Inova is equipped to handle the current surge, the following recommendations could help stem the surge:

* Get vaccinated for both flu and COVID-19 and boosted for COVID-19 if you’re eligible.

* Continue to practice safety measures including hand hygiene, masking, and social distancing as appropriate.

* Stay home and away from others if you or your children are not feeling well.

* Know where to go for your medical care. https://www.inova.org/know-where-to-go

In addition, patients are encouraged to consider if the hospital-based emergency department is the appropriate level of care to meet their medical needs. For emergency needs, Inova’s freestanding emergency departments provide the same level of emergency care and may have shorter wait times.  

If your condition does not require emergency care, consider whether primary care or an Inova GoHealth Urgent Care Center is more appropriate. https://www.inova.org/locations/inova-gohealth-urgent-care  Inova also partners with DispatchHealth, which provides urgent medical care at your home.

If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency department.