From the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis: Healthcare workers share their experiences

YUMA, Ariz. ( KYMA, KECY)-As the cases of coronavirus continue to increase in Yuma County, both health officials and local government stress the importance of social distancing.

From the frontlines of the coronavirus outbreak crisis, health-care workers at the Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC), share their experiences with News 11.

Nurses at the hospital are working long hours with face masks that aren't meant to be worn for an entire day and once they're off the clock they self-isolate from their loved ones.

 “I do stay away from my family, I stay in my room, I try not to socialize or go out because I never know," said Jahyra Castro, a Registered Nurse at YRMC.

Their message to the patients battling the virus is to know they are not alone in the fight, especially during a time when loved ones are not allowed in.  “But it’s not the same, so the nurses, we’ve been staying with the patients as they are going through this rough time," said Castro.

They said a challenge at work is wearing the PPE's throughout the duration of their shifts. They've had to change the temperature of A/C to make through another day.  “For 12 hours and sometimes for 13 hours. It gets warm in them, wearing the masks all day long could be exhausting," said Elizabeth Lara, The Administrative Director of Adult Acute Care.

They continue to urge residents in Yuma County to follow suit with the guidelines from health officials.  “We are seeing people who are sick and the ones who we’re seeing sick are truly sick," said Lara.

News 11 asked the hospital if its prepared if cases increase in the county. We were notified that the COVID-19 unit holds early morning meetings each day and do have a game plan in place for the unpredictable.