Two Carroll-area natives who are working in the hotbed of COVID-19 activity in the United States, New York City, are urging Iowans to practice physical distancing after seeing the harsh impact of the pandemic firsthand. Sisters, Mackensie and Chelsie Riedell, volunteered their services as nurses there on April 16, when coronavirus activity was just beginning to come off its peak. Chelsie says it was an easy decision for both of them when they heard of the need.
Currently, Chelsie is serving at a nursing and rehabilitation facility, and Mackensie is working as an emergency room nurse. Mackensie says most hospitals were still at capacity when they arrived.
According to Chelsie, the nation’s most populated city almost feels like a ghost town as they travel to and from their facilities.
With some restrictions being lifted in 77 of Iowa’s 99 counties tomorrow (Friday), Mackensie stresses everybody should be doing what they can to mitigate the virus’s spread.
Chelsie and Mackensie are not the only nurses from the area who have offered to help the people of New York City. Katie Shields, a 2009 Carroll High School graduate, is also there lending a hand however she can.
