ALT A statement from the AMA saying: "At a time when physicians and other health care professionals are providing care to a record number of COVID-19 patients amidst a third wave, there is misinformation about how patients are counted. Let’s be clear physicians are not inflating the number of COVID-19 patients. Research published in JAMA and in CDC reports indicate the US had significantly more deaths in 2020 than in previous years (excess deaths). Physicians and patients are making remarkable sacrifices and we continue urging all to wear a mask, physical distance and wash your hands to reduce suffering, illness and death."