Dear patient,
We hope this finds you healthy and safe.
We are closely monitoring the coronavirus outbreak and would like to share with you a few recommendations and thoughts.
Per CDC’s (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) website https://www.cdc.gov,
It is critical that we all remain proactive in order to mitigate the current COVID-19 outbreak. While we continue to take care of our patients— as a precaution we are abiding by the latest CDC guidelines.
Unless you are symptomatic, we recommend you continue to attend your regularly scheduled appointment.
As a precautionary measure, we are now pre-screening all patients in order to identify symptomatic patients prior to medical appointments. Depending on travel history and exposure risks, patients experiencing symptoms related to any viral illness are asked to obtain a 14- day clearance from their primary healthcare provider.
1. For elective (all cosmetic related visits) and non urgent visits, do NOT come in if you are over the age of 60 …OR… if you (regardless of age) have any underlying medical conditions like an immunocompromised state (kidney/lung or other organ transplants, or taking daily steroids) or other chronic conditions (like chronic lung disease, asthma, COPD, heart failure, diabetes, etc).
2. Do not bring more than one person to your visit, ideally bring no one if you are able to drive.
3. We are continuing to take all precautions such as washing hands before and after each encounter, avoiding handshakes, frequent sanitizing of door handles and other surfaces, removing all magazines and distancing the waiting room chairs.
If you have an upcoming appointment, please call ahead and discuss the need to reschedule your appointment if you develop symptoms of a respiratory infection (e.g., cough, sore throat, fever) on the day you are scheduled to be seen. If symptomatic, please schedule an appointment with your primary care provider. You will need a 14-day clearance before visiting our clinic.
Per CDC, the following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore Throat
- Shortness of Breath/ Difficulty Breathing
Please call your primary care provider if you develop these symptoms, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19.Per CDC’s website, below are some helpful reminders regarding protection.
TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF
1. CLEAN YOUR HANDS OFTEN
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
1. STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK
- Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.
2. COVER COUGHS AND SNEEZES
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
3. WEAR A FACEMASK IF YOU ARE SICK
- If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
- If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
4. CLEAN AND DISINFECT
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
Thank you for your cooperation in further prevention. We are hopeful this will subside in the near future.
Sincerely,
Skin & Laser Dermatology Center Providers & Staff