Dear Patient,
Your safety is important to us. We are open to face-to-face visits in the clinic but due to COVID-19, we are seeing fewer patients and under extreme precautions. If you are scheduled to such visits, please follow the following guidelines. We will try to make your visit as comfortable as possible but unfortunately, we will have to follow certain rules.

Beware of the common signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Please call our office before you come if you experience any of these symptoms.

  1. Fever
  2. Cough
  3. Fatigue
  4. Loss of appetite
  5. Shortness of breath
  6. Sputum production
  7. Myalgias

Arrive at the clinic no later than 5 minutes before your appointment. Your temperature will be checked as soon as you arrive.

Adhere to the recommended respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette that includes:

  1. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing or cough to your elbow. Bring your mask and use it once in the building. Patients and companions should wear their masks (it does not have to be a N95). Gloves are preferred because door handles and elevator knobs may be infected.
  2. Use the nearest waste receptacle to dispose of the tissue after use.
  3. Perform hand hygiene (e.g., hand washing with non-antimicrobial soap and water, alcohol-based hand rub, or antiseptic handwash) after having contact with respiratory secretions and contaminated objects/materials. Please wash your hands with soap and water in the restroom across the hallway for 20 seconds before entering our office. No handshaking.
  4. Practice social distancing by avoiding being within a 6 foot proximity of others except when being examined. The doctor will be wearing a mask and gloves.
  5. Companions are not allowed to wait in our reception area. Please drop the patient and wait in your car or your home and you will receive a text when the patient is ready to leave.
  6. When you finish you visit, please wash your hands again in the restroom.

Certain people are more at risk from COVID-19. Practice stricter precautions if you have any of these conditions: Asthma, chronic kidney disease being treated with dialysis, chronic lung disease/ smoking, diabetes, hemoglobin disorders, immunocompromised by disease or medications like steroids and azathioprine, liver disease, people aged 65 years and older, people in nursing homes or long-term care facilities, serious heart conditions and severe obesity.

There are many resources on how to deal with COVID-19 situations that are more specific to your case. Ask our staff to provide you with information or guidelines.

Some resources that may help:

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/groups-at-higher-risk.html
  2. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html
  3. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
  4. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html

aziz shaibani
Aziz Shaibani, M.D.