You’re being told that hospitalizations are up. That hospitals are overwhelmed with C19 patients.

We need people around the world to verify these numbers. You can help. Not an exact science but a very good indicator.

How? A couple of easy steps.

1. Drive to the hospital in question. Is it crowded with cars? Even better if you know the hospital before, and can compare with previous assessments.
2. Parking: are the parking areas full? Full hospital census means there will be lots of cars. Visitors, those coming with patients for admission, etc.
3. Before you go, call the hospital’s Human Resources department and find out where they’re located. If possible, find out if there are patient areas in the same building as the HR offices.
4. Now go in the hospital’s visitors entrance. There will probably be a desk there. Tell the person there that you’re going to HR (Human Resources – in other words, applying for a job). You will probably be given a badge or other admission pass.
5. This will pretty much give you the ability to wander around. Don’t try to get into a patient area and don’t be creepy but take discreet photos. Are the halls busy? Are cafeterias and other similar places full? How about elevators? And despite what some will tell you, it is NOT illegal or a violation of HIPAA regs to photograph inside a hospital.
6. Photos document the on the ground reality. Take as many as you can and share where possible.
7. If someone challenges you, say you got lost and tell them you’re going to HR and ask directions and you should probably leave at that point. Above all, be confident, brave, and act like you belong there. You’re doing important work in documenting the lies we’ve been told.