1st Choice COVID-19 Preparedness Alert
We understand how unsettling these times are, as we receive updates on the spread of COVID-19, the new coronavirus. While the number of cases in the U.S. grow, we want to lessen some of your fears by sharing our preparedness efforts and how you can help to protect yourself, your family, and the community.
We are prepared
Staff throughout 1st Choice Rehabilitation & Wellness have been hard at work on preparedness activities, collaborating with local and state health departments and staying on top of the latest guidelines set forth by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) along with the World Health Organization.
A few examples of how we are practicing these guidelines are:
· No more then 10 people at the clinic at one given time.
· We are separating patients between our 3 exam rooms, open therapy room, and lobby so that no one is in close contact with each other.
· We require every patient to use hand sanitizer and wash their hands upon arrival.
· The doctor, technicians, and administrative staff are wearing masks and disposable gloves upon contact with each patient.
· We are asking that if anyone has a cough, fever, or any symptoms that they stay home and call us to make special arrangements for their treatment.
Things that we do on a regular basis to protect our patients:
· Sanitize all bedding and hydrocollator heat pad wraps every night.
· Use of protective disposable head rests and pillowcases for each patient.
· The doctor, technicians, and administrative staff are washing their hands and sanitizing after contact with each patient.
· The clinic is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected every night and every morning upon arrival.
*We are in the middle of implementing a Teladoc option for new patients and exiting patients. More to come!
What you can do
It is important to emphasize the risk of serious illness from COVID-19 remains low. Most infected people will experience mild upper respiratory symptoms, including cough, nasal congestion and a fever. Some patients, including the elderly and those with COPD, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, are at greater risk and may require more intensive care and/or hospitalization.
We know COVID-19 is primarily spread from an infected person’s cough or sneeze. For this reason, it is important that we all practice proper hygiene.
· Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds at a time.
· If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
· Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose and mouth.
· Cover your coughs and sneezes with the crook of your arm.
· When greeting people, restrain from shaking hands, hugging or cheek kissing.
By taking these measures, you are not only helping yourself but also the potential spread to friends, family and the community.
If you do feel like you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, including fever, cough and shortness of breath, take the following steps:
· Limit your interactions with others as much as possible. Practice social distancing.
· Stay home from work if not feeling well. Ask your employer about options to telecommute.
· If you feel severely ill and cannot go to a local emergency room, call 911.
As always, take care of you and your family and help keep the community a safe and positive place. We are all in the together.
At 1st Choice Rehabilitation & Wellness we are ALWAYS Here For YOU!! So let us know how we can assist in any way.
Sincerely,
Christa Gregory
Practice Manager
1st Choice Rehabilitation & Wellness
20 years and counting!