03/17/2020
Dear Friends,
As a physician office, we understand and share our patients’ concerns about the spread of Coronavirus/COVID-19. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, the first to be caused by coronavirus. The WHO director said hope remains that COVID-19 can be curtailed, if actions are taken to curtail the disease.
As the status of the outbreak is rapidly evolving, we want to let our patients know what steps we are taking to address the situation in the office now, as well as what we recommend for our patients outside of the office. This information is based on the most current updates from the World Health Organization, the CDC, the Iowa Department of Public Health, and other official sources.
The office always follows standard protocols for cleaning hard surfaces, especially patient contact surfaces. At this time, we are wiping and sanitizing all patient contact surfaces and adjustment tools after each patient contact. For other hard surfaces in the office (i.e. counters, floors, door handles, writing utensils, light switches, etc.), we are disinfecting regularly, each half hour to hour depending on flow of contact.
In addition to our cleaning procedures following every patient visit, at the end of each day we are thoroughly disinfecting all hard surfaces, including door handles, drawer pulls, light switches, etc.; vacuuming/spraying soft surfaces, etc. Bathrooms are cleaned and disinfected hourly and nightly. We will continue to monitor updated information and will maintain cleaning protocols as recommended by health care officials.
We also share concern for our patients while they are out of the office. The CDC has recommended the following everyday preventive actions to keep yourself and your family healthy:
• 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.
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
• Stay informed. CDC’s COVID-19 Situation Summary will be updated regularly as information becomes available.
Please feel free to call us at 515-233-1709 if you have questions about our office procedures as we work together to stem the spread of Coronavirus.
Sincerely,
Dr. Moore & Eva
