Metro doctor says New Year’s resolutions should include plans to help flatten the curve of COVID-19

ATLANTA — Getting healthier is usually at the top of many people’s new year’s resolutions, so we’ve asked local doctors about new goals we should have as the COVID-19 pandemic continues into 2021.

Dr. Caitlin Anderson with Piedmont Healthcare told Channel 2′s Justin Wilfon that if we want to help flatten the curve, we’ve all got to make some COVID-19 resolutions.

“There is light at the end of the tunnel,” Anderson said. “I would say your number one resolution is to get your COVID vaccine when it becomes available to you.”

On Wednesday, during WSB-TV’s COVID-19 vaccine special, Gov. Brian Kemp announced he’s making the vaccine available to more Georgians, especially in rural parts of the state where there’s a vaccine surplus.

People like firefighters and those over the age of 65.

But Wilfon had no trouble finding people who said taking the vaccine will not be one of their resolutions.

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“Oh no. I’m not going to be taking the vaccine if it’s not mandatory,” one person told Wilfon.

“I don’t want to get the vaccine,” another person said.

But state and national health officials strongly believe the vaccine is our best hope to end the pandemic.

While Anderson urges everyone to get it as soon as possible, she also wants Georgians to make other resolutions.

“Continuing to do the things that we know keep people safe even after you get your vaccine, so that includes wearing your mask, socially distancing at least six feet and washing your hands,” Anderson said.

While Georgia closed out 2020 by breaking the single-day record for new coronavirus cases, there’s still hope for 2021 if we all do our part.

“Continue to stay home, get tested regularly,” Anderson said.

As officials warn of NYE gatherings, many area hospitals at or over capacity because of COVID-19 As we head into New Year’s Eve, doctors are expecting the situation to only get worse.

Cox Media Group