What Steps Are Being Taken At Doctor's Offices To Prevent The Spread Of COVID-19?
As most everyone knows, COVID-19 is a highly contagious virus. Depending on age and pre-existing conditions, it can also be life threatening. However, there are things that can be done to decrease the chances of this illness being spread between people. These are some steps that are being taken at doctor's offices to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Appointment Changes
Some medical offices have set up a system in which the patient calls or texts the doctor's office from their vehicle to let the receptionist know they have arrived. Then, the receptionist signs them in and will call or text the patient back when the doctor is ready to see them. This decreases the amount of germs that patients are exposed to by allowing them to wait in their cars instead of sitting in the waiting room where virus germs could exist.
Face Coverings
Studies have shown that COVID-19 spreads through germs coming in contact with the mouth or nose. During an appointment, patients, doctors, and other staff wear face masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 germs. While wearing a mask may be a temporary annoyance, it has been found to work very well to prevent the spread of germs. Doctors, nurses, and other staff in the medical office also wear gloves to prevent the spread of germs while examining a patient as well.
Staff Health Checks
As each doctor, nurse, receptionist, or other staff member comes into the workplace each day, a health check is done to make sure no one working there is ill. This includes asking a list of questions about any potential symptoms they may have or if they have recently been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. The temperatures of each of the staff members are also taken to ensure that everyone is healthy. If anyone has a temperature, has symptoms of COVID-19, or has been in close unprotected contact with someone who tested positive, that staff member must not work until they have a clean bill of health.
Thorough Cleaning
Doctor's offices are also thoroughly cleaned numerous times during work hours. Cleansers and sanitizers with alcohol and bleach in them are used to clean waiting rooms, reception areas, doors and windows, and all work areas where it may be possible to come into contact with germs. Staff members are also required to wash hands thoroughly and use hand sanitizer several times a day to ensure that germs are killed.
Some doctors also have over-the-phone appointments with their patients. If the patient is not severely ill and does not need to be examined, the in-person visit can be avoided completely. Instead, the doctor and patient can discuss the needed care by talking on the phone or through video calls.
For more information on currently health precautions, contact a local doctor's office.
