03/17/2020
March 17, 2020 COVID-19 Update:
Westchester Veterinary Hospital and Archdale Animal Clinic
In light of current events surrounding the Corona virus, there are a few things I’d like to express to our employees and our community. As veterinarians and veterinary professionals, our job is to practice disease prevention techniques in both our patients and the hum
an population, every day. While we are seeing another pandemic virus arise and receiving unprecedented media attention and public reaction, it is important for us to understand that “Panic” is the most contagious illness of all. Sadly, 80 Americans have died from COVID19 related deaths, and we do know that number will unfortunately rise. To put that figure into perspective, another virus called Influenza, known as “The Flu,” has claimed more than 22,000 American lives so far this year, and has hospitalized 370,000 more. Most of the fatalities reported in viral outbreaks occur in high-risk patients, namely the very old, very young and immunosuppressed individuals. These vulnerable groups of our population should always be considered when we go about our daily interactions during every flu season. Our animal hospitals are always proactive about maintaining a safe workspace. We are encouraging all of our staff and clients to think of the following guidelines as general disease prevention techniques that we can practice every day and especially every flu season. We will be keeping a close eye on the data in North Carolina and Guilford, Randolph and surrounding counties. We be sure to update our clients and staff if any additional measures are instituted.
Basic disease prevention steps: Wash hands regularly, cough/sneeze into elbow or tissue, sanitize your stations, minimize inter-personal contact (no hand shaking, allow clients to insert their own credit card and wash hands after handling cash)
Cleanliness: Use disinfectants to sanitize all high traffic items like door k***s, sink faucets, pens, telephones, computer mice, front desk counters, and all lobby seating regularly throughout the day. All surfaces 3-4 times a day with antiviral and antibacterial disinfectant. This is a group effort.
Arm’s length bubble: Try to maintain an arm’s length (3’ min) away from all of our clients and various vendors/delivery personnel. This should also apply to employees who are dealing with other mild illnesses (allergies, mild cold symptoms). It will be impossible for us as employees to avoid contact with each other, so make sure to practice superior personal hygiene. Technicians or assistants will be needed in exam rooms with doctor to hold pet, so we can keep an arms distance from our clients. This includes a no hand shake/hug policy.
Mask: If an employee has a persistent cough, consider wearing a surgical mask. No more than 1 per day. Be considerate of supplies, see manager for mask.
Hand Sanitizer: Allow our clients use of convenient hand sanitizer, and we will use the sink and soap. Offer any of our exam room or restroom sinks to all clients for handwashing when appropriate.
Changing at the office: All employees are welcome to change into clean clothes before going home. Employees are welcome to use the washer and dryer at the clinics if they need to launder clothes before going home to any immune compromised family. Likewise, if you have someone sick at home, consider changing into work clothes once you arrive at the office.
Client interactions: We will ALWAYS provide value and the best experience possible.
1) Drop offs exams: We have always offered drop-off visits free of any additional charge to clients, so this may be a very convenient option for our clients right now.
2) Take Back exams: We have always offered take back appointments a) at our client’s request and b) to provide a better experience for particular patients and their owners. Those appointments are also still available. Our clients can wait in the car or the lobby while we take care of their pet’s veterinary needs.
3) We can meet clients in the parking lot to pick up animals for drop offs or take back appointments- please instruct them to call when they arrive if they prefer this method.
4) Front desk: Please make sure clients know about these options when scheduling and confirming an appointment. We are not forcing any of these options on our clients at this point, just making sure they are aware of what we have always offered for their convenience and preference.
5) Many clients will want to be in the exam room during the entire process- as many of us would want to do with our own pets. If they appear healthy and have not mentioned anything alarming regarding illness of their own or in their family, we will continue to provide our office visits as per usual.
When to suggest that a client elects for a Take back or Drop off appointment
1) Any Client who makes mention of feeling ill or appears to be feeling ill.
2) Any Client who expresses concern about disease prevention steps.
3) We would ask that any clients who have recently traveled internationally or been on a cruise ship within the last 14 days strongly consider using our drop off or take back exam services.
When to stay home from work (as of 3/17/20, subject to change)
1) Known contact with COVID-19 (+) individual PLUS Fever/Cough/Flu symptoms, required 7-14 day quarantine (unless tests negative for corona virus)
2) Known prolonged or direct contact with COVID19 (+) individual, recommended 7-day quarantine (unless tested negative for corona virus).
3) International Travel or Cruise ships: Recommend quarantine for 7 days after trip.
4) Otherwise same as usual sick policy: If you are ill and have a fever, stay home.
5) Reference Employee handbook for compensation for sick days/personal days.
We are a community! Our clients rely on our employees to keep their fur family in tip-top health. Our employees rely on our small business and our clients to provide them with work and income. To both our clients and our employees, let’s help each other’s families (both 2 and 4 legged) stay as safe as possible over the next few weeks by following pragmatic guidelines for disease prevention.
Sincerely,
Chad A. Malpass, DVM
