At Go To Ortho, we have been continually reviewing CDC recommendations and updating our preventive and responsive actions accordingly, so that we can continue to provide care to those that need it while keeping our patient’s and staff’s health a priority.
The Oregon Health Authority announced on February 28, 2020, the first presumptive case of novel coronavirus or COVID-19 in Oregon. According to the news release, this case involved a resident of Washington County, who works at the Lake Oswego School District. This individual experienced symptoms of COVID-19 beginning February 19, 2020, and tested positive for the virus on February 29, 2020.
Since that first presumptive case of novel coronavirus, the Oregon Health Authority has reported as of March 19, 2020, a total of 88 patients who have tested positive for the virus. At Go To Ortho, we have been reviewing CDC recommendations and developing preparedness plans for both preventive and responsive actions. With these most recent developments, we want our patients to have access to the most current information as soon as possible.
Preliminary research indicates that the virus is transmitted through sneezes, cough, and contaminated surfaces. Symptoms of coronavirus can include, fever, cough, and shortness of breath and last 14 days after exposure.
With this in mind, we ask patients who are sick and or have a fever, cough, and shortness of breath to contact their primary care provider immediately. If you have any of these symptoms, please contact our staff at Go To Ortho and reschedule your appointment. Our staff will be happy to reschedule your appointment in 2-3 weeks’ time.
Preventing exposure is the best way to avoid illness. You can follow these practices to reduce chances of contracting or spreading the virus:
Vigilance in these efforts could save lives.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running water.
The CDC recommends cleaning hands in a specific way to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. The guidance for effective hand washing and the use of hand sanitizer was developed based on data from a number of studies.
Because the coronavirus has caused illness and sustained person-to-person spread, COVID-19 currently meets two of the three criteria for being deemed a global pandemic. At present, the immediate risk of exposure for most Americans is low. Those at higher risk include health care workers and people who may have been exposed through travel, as well as those people’s close contacts. The CDC has developed guidance for these communities to help with risk assessment and management of potential COVID-19 exposure:
CDC Guidance for Health Care Personnel
CDC Guidance for Travel-Related Exposure
As of February 2, 2020, the State Department has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel Advisory for China. Chinese authorities have suspended air, road, and rail travel around high-risk regions and placed other restrictions throughout the community. As of January 31, 2020, the State Department has also ordered the departure of all family members under the age of 21 of U.S. personnel that were residing in China.
As of February 25, 2020, the CDC does not have specific information pertaining to the risk associated with pregnancy. They have, however, compiled FAQs regarding pregnancy, breastfeeding, and risks to children.
According to the CDC, if you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath, within 14 days after travel from China, you should call ahead to a healthcare professional and mention your recent travel or close contact. If you have had close contact with someone showing these symptoms who has recently traveled from this area, you should call ahead to a healthcare professional and mention your close contact and their recent travel. Your healthcare professional will work with your state’s public health department and CDC to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19.
If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, follow these steps to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community.
There is a lot that is still unknown about COVID-19. The CDC makes clear that determinations of risk based on race or country of origin are not warranted or appropriate, and like any medical case, the confidentiality of confirmed coronavirus patients must be maintained. Preventative measures like those typically advised for seasonal flu and other contagious respiratory diseases are recommended. Vigilance in the workplace can help control the spread of any such diseases.
In addition to these everyday steps, the CDC recommends creating an infectious disease outbreak response plan so that in the event of a wider outbreak, you are prepared to protect your company and employees. Some things to consider:
Check out the following links for more information on coronavirus. The CDC is the best source of information and is the authority on this outbreak.
At Go To Ortho, patient safety and patient care are our central focus. Share this information with your friends and family. In working together as a community, we can help minimize exposure and risk to COVID-19.