In the ongoing situation of coronavirus (COVID-19), we want to reassure our patients that we are taking the necessary steps in accordance with CDC recommendations.
COVID-19 Policies
- We are screening all patients upon arrival, to include temperature checks.
- Patients are allowed to bring one adult guest to their appointments as needed.
- Patients who have active pulmonary symptoms of any sort, elevated body temperature over CDC-recommended threshold, or history suspicious for exposure to novel coronavirus are asked to reschedule their appointment.
- Patients are asked to refrain from eating and drinking while in the office.
- To minimize traffic in our waiting areas, patients and guests may be asked to wait in their vehicles prior to their appointment.
We have continued to keep up with our high standards of care and to genuinely care for you and your well-being. We understand your concerns about the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID19).
Fortunately, COVID-19 is susceptible to alcohol and bleach-based disinfectants that are commonly used to disinfect ophthalmic instruments and office furniture. Knowing this, below are additional measures we are taking to ensure we reduce the spread of any cold, flu, or virus:
- Continuing to sanitize surfaces in our exam rooms, common touch areas, and throughout our offices after every use
- Educating our staff and patients on proper hand washing technique
- Enforcing the protocol for our staff of sanitizing of hands consistently throughout the day and when returning to the building from lunch or break
- Encouraging patients, staff, and doctors to avoid handshaking
- Educating our patients and staff to avoid not touch their face and avoid touching eyes, mouth, and nose
If you currently feel sick or have a fever, please reschedule your appointment and contact your primary care physician.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
According to the CDC, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person through close contact with another person (within six feet) and through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Coronavirus include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. These symptoms can appear 2-14 days after exposure.
Prevention
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if unable to wash hands.
- Avoid touching your face (eyes, nose, mouth).
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Practice social distancing in public spaces by staying 4-6 feet away from others.
RIV is continuously monitoring the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) for updates and guidelines.
