As Oregon’s schools prepare to close early for spring break to try to dampen the spread of the pandemic covid-19, I want to share what we are doing at our clinic to stay safe and prepared.

Currently, I am still open, but am screening all patients for possible symptoms of coronavirus. Please stay home if you have a cough, shortness of breath, or a fever. Please also stay home if you are in close contact with someone who has these symptoms.

There will be NO CANCELLATION FEES for canceling your appointment late due to illness. Please stay home and keep yourself and your families healthy.

In office, my patients will be required to use a hand sanitizer with over 60% alcohol and/or wash their hands for 20 seconds prior to and after visits. I will be doing the same. I am also making sure to increase how frequently we sanitize objects touched frequently, such as door knobs.

I am currently taking steps to move toward telemedicine appointments as needed as the cases of coronavirus continue to climb in Oregon.

Please stay safe and healthy. There are no known medicines to prevent or treat coronavirus at this time. The best medicine in this case is prevention through proper hand washing and social isolation.

Methods to help your immune system function optimally should include eating healthy foods, avoiding excess sugar and alcohol, getting proper sleep, and managing stress. I know it is difficult right now to effectively manage stress with all of the fear associated with this outbreak. Take precautions as calmly as possible, but please do take precautions. Please consider sanitizing objects you touch frequently, including your cell phone. Additional immune support can include zinc, vitamin C, elderberry, and echinacea. If you have further questions about how to properly support your immune system, please call to set up an appointment.

If you have further questions about how to stay safe during the outbreak, visit the CDC website.