Doctors seeing more coronavirus patients who may have gotten sick from large social gatherings

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Debra paduganan watches a video of a large gathering right here in Santa Maria taken just this week. “As a senior citizen that frustrates me."

Doctors with Marian Regional Medical Center continues to encourage people to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

But they’re seeing more people gathering for parties.

"I’ve heard of parties of young people getting together thinking that they’re not concerned about the virus and actually competing to try to get it and this is ridiculous. It’s not safe," said Dr. Chuck Merrill with Marian Regional Medical Center

Doctors say the community will only overcome the virus if everyone is vigilant.

"When you look at the season countries that’ve gotten a handle on it and have flattened the curve, they’re all careful with hand washing, masks and social distancing," said Merrill.

Paduganan says she sees large gatherings with people not following health orders all the time. "It's happening everywhere."

Police say if you see large gatherings of people not following health orders you can call the non emergency line and an officer will come out.

"The largest number of patients we’ve had here at Marian Regional Medical Center have been people who we believe to have contracted the disease in social gatherings," said Merrill.

So as much as you might love getting together with friends and family Merrill says you need to be careful. "Because we know it can spread in that manner."