LABELLE -- Due to the recent increase in COVID-19 cases, Hendry County Public Safety (Fire and EMS) has seen a dramatic increase in 9-1-1 calls.

Emergency rooms throughout the entire region are also experiencing high volumes of patients and hospitals are currently at or over capacity. Due to this situation, there are instances where EMS is waiting as much as 2-3 hours at the ER for a bed for a patient they are transporting.

Hendry County would like to remind our residents that the 9-1-1 system should be used for life-threatening emergencies.

If possible, please use an alternative method of receiving medical care such as primary care physicians, telemedicine or urgent care (walk-in clinics) for issues such as ear infections, sore throats or other non-emergencies.

Individuals seeking COVID testing should seek testing outside of the Emergency Department utilizing such services as physician offices, urgent care centers and pharmacies

Using these services instead of calling 9-1-1 will benefit area hospitals, emergency services and, most importantly, the patient.

For local information regarding COVID-19, please visit www.preparehendry.com and follow Hendry County Emergency Management on Facebook www.facebook.com/hendrycountyemergencymanagement/ .

For additional information regarding COVID-19, please visit https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/