Measures to combat COVID-19We have implemented the following practices to safeguard our patients and staff as much as possible during the COVID pandemic:
Air filtration and ventilation All research points to breathing air in enclosed spaces shared by others as a primary risk factor for COVID contagion. We have invested in equipment to double our current (already high) levels of HEPA+charcoal air filtration to far exceed manufacturer recommendations for our treatment rooms and central area. We have a beautifully windowed office with the advantage of being able to open doors and windows to establish cross-breezes throughout the day, weather permitting, and heavily ventilate rooms after each patient. We rotate the use of our treatment rooms as much as possible so that each room may ventilate as long as possible with windows open and fans, and/or air filters on high between patients. Additional measures include keeping our central air intake system constantly running in order to decontaminate the air through a UV-C light air decontamination system; and a digital air quality monitor to ensure we are suppressing aerosol concentrations with sufficient air turnover rates. Surface decontamination We fully disinfect vinyl bed surfaces, clinic supply surfaces, chairs, doorknobs and other touched surfaces between room re-use. Single use of linens and/or disposable coverings make sure every patient encounters a pristine surface. The bathroom and other patient-contact areas also see frequent decontamination between patients. Practitioners wear clean medical scrubs and continually disinfect hands with proper hand-washing or sanitizer. Masking and distancing All staff and patients are required to remain masked (unless it must be removed by the patient within the treatment room for medical reasons). Waiting room use is discouraged and virtual check-out options, like stored credit cards and online scheduling, are encouraged. Guests are asked to wait off-site unless medically necessary or accompanying as a guardian. Patients are screened and asked to quarantine at home for two weeks after exposure to a known or suspected COVID case, or the appearance of any COVID-like symptoms. Personal practices and building immunity We take our personal practices extremely seriously, limiting travel, social exposures and unnecessary health risks and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Staff receive free or discounted vitamins, supplements and acupuncture treatments. Per State guidelines they must receive regular temperature checks and remain at home if suffering any symptoms of illness. Building optimum immunity is a perhaps under-emphasized strategy for fighting COVID infection, but one we can't ignore as acupuncturists. We look forward to helping those who are able to come see us build their immune strength. If you feel unable to venture out at this time, let us work with you remotely to develop some immune-building strategies. Contact us for more information. to help keep our clinic safePlease exercise "excessive caution" while infection rates in our community are high, for the safety of our staff and many immunocompromised patients. We ask that patients with any newly acquired upper respiratory or infectious symptoms (cough, sore throat, phlegm, congestion, sudden fatigue, body aches or fever) refrain from using our clinic at this time and contact your medical professional with regard to COVID testing.
Patients are required to be masked at all times; surgical masks are available for $2 purchase if needed. Leave unneeded items in your car and whenever possible wear or bring clothing appropriate for your session (shorts, tank top) to avoid the need to use our covers. Please wash hands or use hand sanitizer on our front desk upon arrival. To minimize waiting area use, we highly recommend patients load their credit card number with us. This can be done online in your Jane (online scheduling) account, over the phone with us, or leave your card out front to get entered in during your treatment. If you are early please go for a short walk, wait in your car, or call our front desk rather than entering early. Guests are not permitted on site unless they are the guardian of the patient and/or needed for medical reasons. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. |
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