I thought that this "pandemic" would keep the non-emergent complaints at home, and we would see real emergencies. I have been wrong, at least in my area. The stupid complaints still show up, probably about half of our patients are sprained ankles, sinus infections, in grown toe nails, back pain etc. People that are truly sick are terrified to come to the hospital. Had a person just the other day who came and was having a massive heart attack. Person had been having chest pain for 5 DAYS, but refused to go to the hospital because they were "afraid of COVID-19." Patient waited until they were near death to come in. Almost waited too long.
That person is not the only one. People are sitting at home and having strokes and waiting days to come in. Appendixes are rupturing at home because people are afraid to come to the hospital. But a person showed up yesterday because they were out of their Oxycodone and demanded a refill.