Coronavirus In Pennsylvania: Western Pa. Healthcare Workers On The Frontline Join National 'Give Me PPE' Protest
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Healthcare workers on the frontline in western Pennsylvania are joining a national protest demanding more personal protective equipment.
Charles Morris Nursing and Rehab in Squirrel Hill hasn't been hit by coronavirus yet so they have enough personal protective equipment, however, they took part in today's National Day of Action to show support to their brothers and sisters working on the frontlines.
Nurses in various nursing homes, including Brighton Rehab and Wellness in Beaver County, held up posters with messages saying "Get Me PPE" and "I need to be safe to keep my patients safe" inside and outside their facilities.
CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE:
- Coronavirus In Pennsylvania: Gov. Tom Wolf Orders All Pennsylvanians To Stay At Home
- Coronavirus In Pennsylvania: Gov. Tom Wolf Extends Stay-At-Home Order Until April 30, Indefinitely Closes Schools And Non-Life-Sustaining Businesses
- Coronavirus In Pittsburgh Area: Coronavirus Case Confirmed In Washington Co., Western Pa.'s First
- Coronavirus In Pittsburgh: Two Cases Of Coronavirus Confirmed In City Of Pittsburgh
- Coronavirus In Pennsylvania: State's First Coronavirus-Related Death Confirmed
- Coronavirus Closures And Changes: Attractions, Businesses, And Events Canceled Or Closed In Pittsburgh, Across Western Pa.
- Coronavirus In Pittsburgh: Area Restaurants Offering Takeout And Delivery Amid COVID-19 Outbreak
- More Coronavirus News
Several of the protests took place during shift changes this afternoon. That way, patients weren't left unattended. They're demanding the federal government provide them with PPE so they can do their jobs safely.
Healthcare workers on the front lines in Western PA & across the state joined together in the #GetMePPE National Day of Action today. They're demanding more PPE from the federal government in light of the #covid19crisis. Hear from one nurse tonight at 6. ???? by @seiuhcpa pic.twitter.com/4tlTX76a9W
— Amy Wadas (@AmyWadas) April 9, 2020
While workers at Charles Morris have the equipment they need, they say that could change at any given moment and are offering their support.
"I believe we must stand together in this fight for everybody. If we don't scream loud and we don't stand together, we are not going to make any progress. We have to show our brothers and sisters across America you're not in this fight alone, we are with you and yes we hear you," said Charles Morris Nurse Donna Bash.
The healthcare workers are also asking the federal government for health coverage, paid sick time and paid leave.
Leaders of the movement are members of the Service Employees International Union, the nation's largest union of healthcare workers.
More information on the Coronavirus pandemic: