03/16/2020
‼ Important information RE: COVID-19. Please read. ‼
Dear Patients,
We understand the growing concern surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) across our community. The health and safety of our patients, doctors, and staff is our top priority. Based on current guidance and our own standards and practices, we remain open and ready to provide exceptional patient care.
Patients with Upcoming Appointments
If you have traveled internationally, traveled on any cruise ship, have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, or you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, we MUST reschedule your appointment for a future date.
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
Please call the office and our staff will reschedule your appointment. We will be screening every patient at check in to identify and limit potential exposure to COVID-19.
A Note to Our Higher Risk Patients
As the virus continues to spread, we want to protect and safeguard our most vulnerable patients – the elderly, people with serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease. This includes patients with cancer, organ transplant, immune deficiency, and those on some medications that suppress their immune system. Elderly and higher-risk patients should consider changing any routine, non-urgent visits to a later date.
Potential Disruptions to Our Regular Schedule
• Depending on community trends with COVID-19, offices may reduce patient load or close with short notice.
• We will notify you if it is necessary to temporarily close our office.
How is our staff being trained?
Our staff has been trained in infection control practices, standard precautions, and hand hygiene.
How are we monitoring the situation?
As the situation evolves, we are keeping up with and following the recommendations of the CDC, WHO, state and local health departments.
How are we preparing for COVID-19?
• Our primary duty is to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our patients and staff by preventing the spread of the infection at our office.
• We are continuously monitoring, reviewing and improving our response as the situation evolves.
• We are keeping all employees updated with any new recommendations for preventing the spread of COVID-19.
• We are increasing awareness of all of our staff to be alert for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
• Our practice employs proper cleaning techniques.
• We are practicing safe hand hygiene.
• We are proactively alerting patients who are ill, exposed to COVID-19 or those who have recently visited high-risk countries to reschedule appointments.
COVID-19 Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure and can include:
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Dry Cough
• Shortness of breath
The severity of COVID-19 symptoms can range from very mild to severe. The elderly (over 60), and others who have existing medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease may be at higher risk of serious illness. This is similar to what is seen with other respiratory illnesses, such as influenza.
We will be updating this information as new details become available. Thank you for your understanding. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to your clinic.
Thank you,
Drs. James & Enyart Optometrists ❤
