Safety First As We Reopen Offices
May 27, 2020
Unity Health Network is taking the several actions in accordance with the guidelines suggested by the Ohio Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control. We are operating with an abundance of caution to ensure the highest level of safety for our patients as they visit offices for care as well as our community as a whole.
Only patients receiving care are permitted in offices at this time, unless patients need a caretaker to accompany them as they visit their Unity Health Network doctor. All other guests are asked to wait in the car. If patients present with any COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath or other flu-like symptoms, they must return to their car and call the office for further instructions.
To help prepare for your appointment, we are currently utilizing pre-visit phone calls, appointment reminder calls, in-office reminder signs and email messaging to provide detailed information regarding your visit to limit interpersonal interaction.
Unity Health Network physicians, staff, patients and visitors are assessed for any current or recent fever, cough or shortness of breath before entering our offices across Northeast Ohio.
All offices have received and mounted “stop” signs on entrances with COVID-19 alerts to remind those entering facilities of the importance of taking precautions. Patients will now stay in personal vehicles until it is time for their scheduled appointment to aid in limiting waiting room capacity. Floor markers are also in place to ensure proper 6-foot social distancing.
All are encouraged to utilize the Purell stations and sterilized wipes available at all check-in and check-out locations, exam rooms and public areas. Exam tables, counters, chairs, door handles and restrooms are cleaned regularly throughout the day in addition to a daily deep clean at all locations.
Physicians, staff and patients must wear face masks or coverings in patient-facing situations. Additional appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) may also be worn if necessary.
Handling masks and face coverings with proper care is essential:
- Before putting on a mask, clean your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub
- Hold the mask by the ear loops and place loops around each ear
- Cover your nose and mouth with the mask and make sure there is no space between your face and the mask. Avoid wearing makeup or lip color under masks. Excessive facial hair may weaken reliability of mask protection
- Avoid touching the mask while using it. If you do, clean hands again with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub
- To remove the mask, do so from behind without touching the front of the mask. Hold ear loops and gently lift to remove face mask
As we safely restart under these guidelines, our staff are here to serve patients and provide the care you need in the safest way possible, as soon as possible. For additional information on our response to COVID-19, click here.
