Coronavirus Update

We are keeping you up to date with the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) outbreak so as to alleviate any worries and fears you may have. We will continue to keep you informed regarding this outbreak and possible next steps to take. 

As it stands now, there are 6 confirmed COVID-19 cases in New York State – a woman living in Manhattan, who recently travelled to Iran. She is under home quarantine with mild respiratory symptoms and those who were in close contact with her have been contacted and are being tested as well. Then as of yesterday a man in New Rochelle who works in Manhattan, his family and a neighbor. They are contacting all his potential contacts as well and shut down the two schools that two of his children attend, as well as his synagogue. 

This second COVID-19 case occurs without known exposure or travel risk factors such as those that have been reported by state health departments in California, Oregon and Washington. These cases are thought to represent community spread. This may mean that people who were in the countries with the outbreak may have the virus but no symptoms and may be passing it to others who then have symptoms, making it much harder to trace.  

As such, we recommend that anyone returning from geographic regions where sustained community transmission has been identified; China, South Korea, Italy, Iran, and Japan, should self- quarantine for 14 days before they return to work, school, etc. so as to limit any possible transmission of the coronavirus. As well, we ask that if you returned from those areas within the past 14 days and need medical care, to contact our office by phone for virtual triage and treatment if needed. If your visit is non-urgent, we will schedule you after 14 days from return or last exposure. Anyone with more serious respiratory infections or concerns of having contracted the coronavirus will be informed with regards to next steps. The Department of Health does not recommend going to the emergency room unannounced. Designated emergency rooms ONLY have the ability to test for the virus. We soon will have the ability to approve testing through our office for those we think have symptoms and are negative to other viruses.  

Again, we want to remind you that even though there are now 6 confirmed cases in NYS, 80% of the confirmed cases are shown to be mild. At this time, we see no reason to panic and/or to not go about your daily lives. 

There is no reason to stockpile antibiotics or antivirals as those medications are not a treatment for COVID-19. If you become very ill, we will recommend you seek hospital care regardless. We do recommend having a 30-day supply of any daily prescription medications. This is more so in case there is a supply issue given the issues and closures overseas. 

The best prevention is thorough hand washing (20 seconds) or using an alcohol-based (60%) hand sanitizer, do not touch your face with unwashed hands, keeping social distance from those who are ill or coughing (ie 6 feet away) and staying home when you are not feeling well. 

We will continue to keep you informed as necessary. 

Be Well,

Flatiron Family Medical