As concerns about the Coronavirus (COVID 19) intensify, we want to assure you that we continue to follow the precautions as set forth by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to ensure the safety of our patients and staff.
In response to the COVID 19 outbreak, ProFlex will be implementing the following changes to better protect patients and Staff:
- All patients must wash hands for 20 secs or use hand sanitizer prior to beginning treatment.
- All staff and patients with cold symptoms, cough, or fever, will be questioned and may be asked to reschedule their appointment.
- No family members will be permitted in the treatment areas unless you are accompanying a minor.
- Patients over the age of 70 may wish to reschedule appointments or move to home exercise only programs. Your therapist will assist you in making this transition if needed.
We thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we continue to make the necessary changes needed to minimize the transmission of COVID 19.
What is the Coronavirus disease?
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease caused by a new coronavirus outbreak that began in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in people and many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats. This virus has its origin in bats. Another known coronavirus is a severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) which caused an outbreak in 2003 and was contained with no known cases since 2004.
At this time, most people in the United States will have little immediate risk of exposure to this virus. Due to this being a novel virus, it is a rapidly evolving situation with new information being released as more details are learned.
How Does it Spread?
Based on what is currently known about COVID-19 and what is known about other coronaviruses, the spread is thought to occur mostly from person-to-person via respiratory droplets among close contacts.
How to Protect Yourself
You can protect yourself by following these guidelines:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirt
What are we doing to prevent the spread of the virus and protect staff and patients?
Here are the recommendations from the CDC for healthcare facilities and businesses.
- Stay informed of the local situation and make sure you know about healthcare and public health emergency planning and response activities in your community.
- Communicate with your staff and patients.
- Continue to practice hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene, and cough etiquette and encourage all patients to do the same.
- Employees and patients who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness are recommended to stay home and not return until they are free of fever (100.4° F [37.8° C] or greater using an oral thermometer), signs of a fever and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g. cough suppressants). Employees or patients who appear to have acute respiratory illness symptoms (i.e. cough, shortness of breath) upon arrival or become sick during the day should be separated from other patients or employees and be sent home immediately.
- Ensure that environmental cleaning and disinfection procedures are followed consistently and correctly.
- Routinely clean all frequently touched surfaces in the workplace, such as workstations, countertops, and doorknobs. Use the cleaning agents that are usually used in these areas and follow the directions on the label. No additional disinfection beyond routine cleaning is recommended at this time.
Again, we appreciate your trust in us to care for your needs. We will continue to keep you informed of any changes as they may arise.
