WINDSOR — The Essex County Medical Society is asking residents to contact their family doctor or nurse practitioner first in case of a non-emergency.
The advice comes after an uptick in calls to EMS for non-emergency issues.
Society President Dr. Jennifer Bondy says people need to realize that family doctors are still continuing to offer virtual care and in-person visits as needed.
She says some people may feel the COVID pandemic is over, but it is not.
"With the re-opening of the economy that we have been seeing across the province over the past couple of weeks, there is a feeling that perhaps COVID has been pushed back in terms of a priority in people's minds," warns Dr. Bondy.
Speaking on AM800's the Dan MacDonald Show, Dr. Bondy says some issues are best kept out of the emergency department.
"Things like bladder infections, or a sore throat that can often be related to strep throat where you would want to connect with your primary care provider first, prescription refills, ear aches, ear infections."
People should visit the ER when there is chest pain, difficulty breathing, or a broken bone.