Amid recent updates from the CDC, I feel compelled to address the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2, or abbreviated, COVID-19) and the steps our office is taking to minimize risk to ourselves and our patients.
First of all, the current health risk assessment for the general American public who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at present time (03/02/2020), is considered low. As more cases of COVID-19 may be identified in the coming days in the US, it is likely that more person-to-person spread will begin to occur, which includes the possible widespread transmission of COVID-19.
Those at risk for complications from COVID-19 are vulnerable persons (those over 80+, those with pre-existing fragilities or auto-immune issues.) Ample data indicates that healthy individuals do NOT need to fear COVID-19, as symptoms are typically mild and merely inconvenient for persons with able immune systems.
It is exceedingly important to us that COVID-19 does not cause undue stress to patients who ordinarily worry about germs in excess. We must all carry on as we typically would, with a few added precautions in place.
With this said, we have put together a preparedness plan that we believe is sober, prudent and reasonable to do our part to reduce the unnecessary spread of COVID-19, especially to vulnerable persons. This plan attempts to walk that delicate line with grace.
Our preparedness plan is outlined as follows:
Patients, visitors and employees of LIFT with respiratory illness of any kind (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) will not be permitted onsite. The 48 hour cancellation policy is always waived for those who report illness. When sick, self-care and rest are essential.
LIFT utilizes tele-health successfully year-round, and Zoom sessions will be made available for all patients who are ill and who do wish to continue their mental health care as scheduled.
60% antibacterial sanitizer will be made available at the entrances and exits of all offices. We ask patients to use liberally.
We have established a TEMPORARY moratorium on HAND-SHAKING, FIST-BUMPS, HIGH-FIVES and HUGS. 😊 Waves, thumbs up, and “raise the roof’s” will be welcomed in their stead.
ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP is available in the bathroom. Please remember to wash hands vigorously while singing the ABC’s completely through to “next time, won’t you sing with me?”
You will find that PAPER TOWELS have replaced our pretty cloth towels. Feel free to use your paper towel to open the bathroom door upon exiting, and then dispose of it in the trash.
You are welcome to wear masks to treatment. We will say that masks do NOT prevent against catching COVID-19, but they will remind you not to touch your face, which is how most individuals will contact the virus. Fun fact: did you know we touch our faces 90X/day?
If you’d like to wear latex or nitrile latex gloves, have at it! Most people will spread COVID-19 by touching surfaces, so this is one reasonable precaution. With that said, first ensure you do not have a latex allergy, and please review how to remove gloves properly. 😊 Many folks spread the germs all over their fingers and other surfaces by improper removal of gloves at the end of the day!
Zinc lozenges block coronavirus from multiplying in your throat and nasopharynx. Stock up now!
We will wipe and spray all surfaces in office AM & PM with Lysol Disinfectant, as it is also flu season, and this is our general good practice for a safe and healthy work environment.
KEEP CALM, AND CARRY ON! We will all get through this! Spring is around the corner!!!!
