COVID-19 UPDATES AND PRECAUTIONS

We are seeing patients again!

Patients can see the doctor in person or through  telehealth visits.

MASKS ARE REQUIRED!!

 

Here is what you need to know about your visit and our requirements:

  • Only the patient will be permitted into the building UNLESS the patient has limited comprehension.
  • If the patient is in a wheelchair, our staff will be happy to help get them where they need to be.
  • Temperatures will be taken at the door, if temperature is elevated appointment may be discretionary.
  • If you are in any way symptomatic (e.g. fever, coughing or shortness of breath, we cannot guarantee your appointment and you may be turned away) Please note this is for the safety of our staff and other patients.
  • Usual questions about travel, contact and interactions will be asked.
  • Please use hand sanitizer when you come into the building.
  • Please follow social distancing rules and only sit on designated chairs.
  • Please NO gloves to avoid cross contamination.
  • While in the back seeing the doctor or getting treatment please keep your mask on at all times.
  • If you are seeing a doctor please do not lay on the patient table until the doctor comes in the room.

 

Please note these precautions are necessary to maintain your and our staff’s safety. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.

 

Your health and safety is our top priority. There have been no cases (COVID-19) at our facilities to date.

To ensure the safety of our patients, visitors and staff, we continue to monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and to proactively ensure our patients and workforce remain safe and protected. Alabama Cancer Care is asking patients about their recent travel history and if they exhibit symptoms of respiratory infection, including:

  • Fever greater than 100.4º F/38º C
  • Coughing, or 
  • Shortness of breath

What patients and caregivers need to know before they arrive:

We are open for patient care. If you have fever, cough, runny nose or shortness of breath, contact your care team before your appointment. 

Alabama Cancer Care will be screening ( NOT TESTING) patients and visitors for COVID-19 symptoms at the entrance of all our facilities.

HOW CAN THE PUBLIC HELP:

Institutions are working together to proactively implement measures that can serve to decrease transmission of the virus and flatten the curve which aims to extend a longer time period to avoid overwhelming the capacity of the health care systems.

 

To accomplish this goal, institutions are calling on anyone visiting a hospital or any health care site to seriously consider the following:

 

  • Patients and visitors should plan ahead – Check your institutions website for specific visitor policy information.
  • If patients are not feeling well, they should contact their care team for direction before travelling to the appointment.
  • If visitors are not feeling well, they should stay home.
  • Most institutions only allow 2 visitors at a time, per patient. Visitors must be 18 or older and cannot have symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath.
  • Entrances will have screening questions about recent travel, current health and possible temperature check.
  • People who do not have a critical reason to be at a medical facility should stay home.
  • The best way to prevent the spread of germs is proper hygiene and cough etiquette. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially going to the bathroom; before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

 

See below how you can help to FLATTEN THE CURVE.

DETAILED SYMPTOMS OF CORONAVIRUS

  1. It will first infect the throat, so you’ll have a sore throat lasting 3/4 days
  2. The virus then blends into a nasal fluid that enters the trachea and then the lungs, causing pneumonia. This takes about 5/6 days further.
  3. With pneumonia comes high fever and difficulty in breathing.
  4. The nasal congestion is not like the normal kind. You feel like you’re drowning. It’s imperative you then seek immediate attention.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW AND WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:

  1. If you have a runny nose and sputum, you have a common cold.
  2. Coronavirus pneumonia is a dry cough with no runny nose.
  3. This new virus is not heat-resistant and will be killed by a temperature of just 26/27 Celsius. It hates the Sun.
  4. If someone sneezes with it, it takes about 10 feet before it drops to the ground and is no longer airborne.
  5. If it drops on a metal surface it will live for at least 12 hours – so if you come into contact with any metal surface – wash your hands as soon as you can with a bacterial soap.
  6. On fabric, it can survive for 6-12 hours. normal laundry detergent will kill it.
  7. liquids with ice.
  8. Wash your hands frequently as the virus can only live on your hands for 5-10 minutes, but – a lot can happen during that time – you can rub your eyes, pick your nose unwittingly and so on.
  9. You should also gargle as prevention. A simple solution of salt in warm water will suffice.
  10. Can’t emphasize enough – drink plenty of water!

TESTING

https://www.wvtm13.com/article/covid-19-testing-locations-in-central-alabama/31818857

***Please note we do not provide testing at any of our facilities***