COVID PROCEDURES
INFECTION CONTROL
- We have implemented regular and stringent cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting protocols, including but not limited to the following:
- Regular cleaning and disinfecting schedules for treatment rooms, protective coverings in treatment rooms, waiting areas, restrooms, medical equipment, seating and furniture, doors and handles, counters, payment systems, personal protective equipment and more
- We ensure regular changing of cleaning equipment and materials as well as avoidance of aerosols to limit airborne movement
- Treatment areas and their furniture and equipment are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between patients
- Staff wear personal protective equipment including medical masks and gloves and these are decontaminated and/or changed out frequently
- Strict staff personal hygiene protocols are implemented including handwashing, face-touching, cough and sneeze covering
- Staff regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in their personal work areas
UNIVERSAL FACE-COVERING
- All staff, patients and visitors are required to wear a face covering or mask which covers their mouth and nose when entering the building, and at all times when in the building, (except when alone)
- Please read our visitor masking policy below
- All staff are required to wear medical masks in accordance with our strict respiratory infection control protocols
- Note: In accordance with CDC recommendations, facemasks and cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance
Though we would all looooove to not wear our masks now we’ve been vaccinated, County recommendations still require that all visitors to healthcare facilities wear a face covering. Therefore adhering to these rules means all individuals must wear a face covering to enter our clinic buildings, whether vaccinated or not.
So please be sure to bring your face covering when coming to your appointment.
The face coverings do not have to be hospital grade but need to cover the nose and mouth. For example, bandanas, fabric masks and neck gaiters are acceptable. Fabric covers and bandanas can be washed and used again.
Dr. Chris Farnitano, Health Officer for Contra Costa County, stated that the County does not recommend that the public use medical masks (N-95 or surgical masks), which are in limited supply and must be preserved for our health care workers and first responders. The guidance stated that acceptable face coverings can be made of a variety of cloth materials, be factory-made or handsewn, or can be improvised using bandanas, scarves, t-shirts, sweatshirts or towels. Face coverings should be washed frequently with detergent and hot water and dried on a hot cycle. Ideally, wash your face covering after each use, and have a dedicated laundry bag or bin. Make sure the covering is comfortable – you do not want to have to keep adjusting the mask, which means touching your face.
It is also recommended to always wash your hands, or use hand sanitizer, before AND after touching your face or face coverings.
The Centers For Disease Control (CDC) have also issued guidelines regarding face coverings. CDC states that in order to be most effective, cloth face coverings should—
- fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
- be secured with ties or ear loops
- include multiple layers of fabric
- allow for breathing without restriction
- be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CO-OPERATION WITH OUR UNIVERSAL MASKING POLICY
SOCIAL DISTANCING
- Social distancing of six feet is applicable for all staff, patients and visitors
- For staff,
- Physical distance of 6-feet must be maintained – from co-workers and patients – unless contact is required to perform essential services
- Social distancing for staff applies throughout their entire time in the building
- Physical distancing for patients is achieved by
- limiting the number of people in the building
- distancing in patient waiting and treatment areas
- allowing waiting patients to wait in their car in the parking lot, or wait outside
- Drive-up evaluations may be performed where appropriate – your healthcare provider will advise if this is available for you
SURGERY PATIENTS
- We recognize some patients may be concerned about receiving care in a hospital or surgery center because of the COVID pandemic. Please mention any concerns you may have to your Surgeon during your pre-op appointment so that he/she may address them to any extent possible
- There are new, stricter intake processes in place for patients undergoing elective surgery
- Your Surgeon and/or Care Team will advise what you need to do 7 days and 3 days prior to your surgery relevant to infection control. Some patients undergoing surgery may be advised that they are required to undergo COVID testing prior to surgery, depending on their circumstances
- Hospitals and Surgery Centers have very stringent infection control, decontamination and patient separation protocols in place, with the aim of protecting all individuals: medical staff; patients; visitors
- Golden State Orthopedics & Spine and the hospitals and surgery centers where our surgeries are performed are complying with current guidelines issued by: The Center for Disease Control; The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; Federal, State and Local guidelines including Cal/OSHA