Unless you’re living under a rock, chances are that you’ve been hearing a lot lately about coronavirus, a highly contagious viral infection referred to as COVID-19. In fact, at this point there are very few people who haven’t been impacted by coronavirus in some way, whether it’s by having the condition, fighting frustration while trying to find basic supplies at the store, dealing with altered travel plans because of event cancelations, shutdowns, and the risk of contagion, or experiencing changes to their work environment as a result of the disease.
With several cases confirmed locally, many businesses like ours are making alterations to their operating procedures in order to protect patients and do their part in minimizing the spread of coronavirus. During this time, our top priority is to maintain the safety of our patients and staff. We want to be transparent and update everyone on how the coronavirus spread is impacting the policies and procedures at our Bay Imaging Consultants (BICRAD) hospitals and outpatient centers, so if you have a minute, please take some time to read through the following changes and recommendations.
Updates For BICRAD Patients
Most importantly, you should know that hospitals have stopped allowing visitors and all nonessential personnel. At this point in time, we ask that unless absolutely necessary (i.e. you are being sedated for a procedure and need someone to drive you home afterwards), patients do not bring anyone else to their appointment. If for some reason a friend or loved one does accompany you, please request that they wait in the car or somewhere else until you are finished rather than in the waiting area. This will help minimize the number of people gathered in the lobby and adhere to the CDC’s recommendations about social distancing.
Here are some of the additional precautions we are taking at all of our locations during this time:
We are setting up HEPA filtration at sites.
Our staff are performing extra deep cleans multiple times a day on all surfaces in tech areas, the front desk area, and waiting rooms.
We are wiping off pens and clipboards after every patient.
Our team is being informed almost hourly about the changes in our hospitals and how that affects our staff and patients. We will continue to monitor the coronavirus situation as it develops locally, and will keep patients updated if there are additional changes to our operating procedures in the following days or weeks.
Coronavirus Prevention Tips
There’s nothing we care more about than the safety of our patients! We ask that you please stay aware, use your best judgment, and take care of you and your loved ones by practicing the following prevention tips from the CDC.
Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly.
Stay home if you are sick.
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
Keep your surrounding environment (not just yourself) clean by regularly disinfecting all surfaces.
Practice social distancing by minimizing unnecessary social outings and avoiding activities with large groups of people.
If you have any questions about whether an upcoming appointment of yours will be impacted by the coronavirus situation, please don’t hesitate to contact your imaging center. Be sure to check our website and Facebook page for all updates about our operating hours as the situation develops.
-The BICRAD Team