Three healthcare associations are reiterating the need to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as the U.S. death toll from the coronavirus exceeded 200,000 on Sept. 22.
"Today we mark a somber milestone as more than 200,000 people in the United States have died of COVID-19 over the course of the pandemic," the American Hospital Association, American Medical Association and American Nurses Association said in a joint statement. "Those lost include mothers and fathers, grandparents, children, teachers and front-line workers.
"The steps required to stop the spread of this virus should be well known by now, but with more than 6 million COVID-positive Americans, we say again: wear your mask, wash your hands, and practice physical distancing."
The associations also encouraged Americans to get their flu shot early, adding that a bad flu season can cause additional strain on hospitals and health systems amid the pandemic.
More articles on public health:
NIH staffer to depart after anonymous posts criticizing agency; vaccine for kids may not be ready by fall 2021 — 5 COVID-19 updates
COVID-19 hospitalizations by state: Sept. 22
28 states where COVID-19 is spreading fastest, slowest: Sept. 22