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The massive influx of patients requiring medical attention for COVID-19 can overwhelm
hospitals’ capacity to provide care for all who need it. Sharp increases in critical illnesses have
already exhausted both biomedical supplies and personnel in some countries. For this reason,
Etienne urged hospitals to develop surge plans and to ensure that health personnel have the
personal protective equipment and training they need to prevent infection.

“Health personnel are the first line of defense against this pandemic. We must protect them so
they can take care of all of us,” she said.

Currently there is no specific treatment for COVID-19. In severe cases, timely supportive
therapy is key and includes oxygen, hydration and fever and pain relief.

PAHO experts are working with ministries of health in the Americas to prepare their countries’
health services to handle increased patient flows and to strengthen infection prevention and
control.

“The course of the pandemic will depend on what measures countries take,” said Etienne. She
said that three main scenarios are now unfolding in the countries of the Americas: clusters of
COVID-19 cases related to imported cases; outbreaks in “closed spaces” such as nursing homes;
and community transmission.

Many countries have already taken action to reduce the rate of transmission and protect their
populations, ranging from declaring a state of emergency to closing borders, schools and
universities, and promoting social distancing.
“PAHO continues to work with countries to provide support and respond together to this
pandemic,” said Etienne. “We should expect all countries to report cases. We need to reduce
transmission, flatten the curve and avoid situations that can overwhelm our hospitals and our
health personnel to save lives.”