KERN COUNTY, Calif. — State health officials and leaders from several hospital systems came together to get a message out to the public, which was, please stay home for the holidays and try as much as possible to avoid large gatherings, in an effort to slow the spread COVID-19.

One hospital official even saying they are feeling the weight of this recent COVID surge.

"Our nurses, our physicians, and our staff who are already stretched and tired must extend themselves to care for more and more patients. That is why today's message is necessary and so important. Our job in normal times is to keep you healthy, provide preventative care, and care for you when the worst happens. But as the hospital bed count continues to dwindle, we simply will not be able to keep up if the COVID-19 surge continues to increase," said Greg Adams, chairman, and CEO of Kaiser Permanente.

Tuesday's press briefing was part of the state's new "Don't Share Your Air" campaign.

Three hospital systems, Dignity Health, Sutter Health and Kaiser Permanente all issuing a "prescription" for Californians to avoid spreading the virus during the upcoming Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year holidays.

Doctor Mark Ghaly, the California secretary of health, also took part in the conference, warning people of the dangers of gathering in large groups with people from outside your household.

All officials are asking people to be safe and use their best judgment.