TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) — A doctor in Tupelo went on Facebook Saturday to stress the seriousness of the coronavirus and the need for people to limit public contact.

"As extreme and exaggerated the measures we are instituting might seem, this time it IS for REAL. This is NOT the flu. This is 15 times deadlier," wrote Jaime Ungo, a pulmonary physician who has worked for North Mississippi Health Services for nearly 20 years.

On his personal account, Ungo encouraged people to stay home unless it is very important. He also stressed that children and young people should stay home even though they may not get as sick as others.

"However, if they take this home, their loved ones might get sick and even die," said Ungo.

The doctor urged people to be careful with those who are diabetic, asthmatic, hypertensive and older than 60 years old as well as those who have chronic lung and/or heart diseases.

"They will get deadly sick if infected," he warned.

As federal and state health officials have said, Ungo warned how a surge of viral pneumonia could be fatal for many since most of the country's ventilators and intensive care beds are already being used.

"Please help your communities by staying home for now," Ungo wrote as he ended his post. "Staying home saves lives."