Preemptive Steps to Minimize Patient and Staff Exposure to COVID-19
Dear Patient of North Florida Cataract Specialists and Vision Care:
In an effort to mitigate exposure to COVID-19 (Coronavirus), we as an organization are taking all necessary and available precautions, including those outlined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
As of May 4th, 2020, our practice is once again delivering our full selection of services. This decision is in keeping with guidelines of our state and local governments and within the standards provided by health officials.
To ensure the safest environment for patients and staff alike, we are strictly following recommended practices to limit the likelihood of COVID-19 (coronavirus) transmission. To that end, we are implementing the following precautions at all of our locations, including the surgery center:
- Spacing out and staggering appointments to limit waiting room occupancy
- Asking each patient to wear a mask throughout his or her appointment
- Asking that accompanying drivers remain in their cars during appointments, or we will help patients call their drivers to return following their appointments
Additionally, all of our staff is being closely monitored to ensure they are not carrying or transmitting the virus. We are using all recognized and recommended universal precautions (sterilizing rooms, washing hands with soap and hot water, using sanitizer, and gloves and masks when appropriate, and requesting staff members who do not feel well to remain at home and seek immediate medical care) to ensure a clean and safe environment for both patients and employees.
In the event you should fall ill (elevated temperature, sore throat, respiratory difficulties or other symptoms that could mimic those of COVID-19) within 14-days of being seen in our office or any other medical office or after being exposed to a large group of people in a confined area, you should immediately contact your Primary Care Provider (PCP), Contact your local Department of Health Center, Contact your local Emergency Department or a local Urgent Care Center for guidance on how to proceed.
While no one completely understands COVID-19 at this point as clearly as we will in the coming weeks and months based on the number of tests now being deployed and the scientists working to determine the transmission of the virus our practice is following all issued guidelines recommended by the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO). We are confident that our aggressive preemptive steps will aid in minimizing the transmission of the virus but it is not guaranteed. Please take all reasonable steps to protect yourself by using basic hygiene procedures (cover your mouth when you cough, sneeze into a tissue or cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze, immediately wash your hands with soap and hot water, use hand sanitizer, etc.) to aid in preventing the possible transmission of the virus.
Should you have further questions or concerns please do not hesitate to ask.