Important Information Regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

To our Patients and Potential Patients,

As we continue to monitor the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the health and well-being of our patients, our staff and communities remain our top priority. We want to share with you the steps we are taking to ensure we maintain the highest standards of care and a healthy environment.

We are actively following the guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other local health agencies. Our clinic is cleaned daily. At this time, we have taken additional precautions, including increasing the frequency of cleaning in high touch areas throughout our clinic. We are working to ensure all of our staff are well-informed and taking necessary precautions, per CDC’s guidelines, including frequent hand washing and staying home if they are feeling ill.

Our clinic will remain open for business and continue to be a safe place for you to receive your ophthalmology needs in 2020. On behalf of the entire team at Ginsberg Eye, we look forward to continuing to serve you in our boutique patient-centered practice.

We realize this is an uneasy time and want to reassure you that we are taking every possible precaution to guarantee the safety of all of our patients and staff. Ginsberg Eye is committed to keeping our patients and community safe during COVID-19.

We ask that you do not come in to our office if you answer YES to any of the following questions:

  1. Have you experienced respiratory symptoms such as congestion, cough, sore throat, fever or diarrhea in the last 72 hours?
  2. Have you had any contact with someone who has recently been tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) or is under investigation?

Please read our updated notice prior to your appointment.

  1. Upon arrival to our office, you will be asked a few short questions. Your temperature will also be checked with a no touch thermometer.
  2. Due to the shortage of face masks, we ask that you bring one for your protection.
  3. Hand sanitizer will be available to all patients.
  4. Our lobby seating follows the most up-to-date social distancing guidelines and we try to maintain an empty waiting room as much as possible.
  5. Guests/Visitors with you should plan to stay outside in their air-conditioned vehicle.
  6. All areas of our clinic are continuously disinfected throughout the day. Each exam room is aggressively disinfected between patients.
  7. Each employee will be wearing a mask and washes their hands between patients and again every thirty minutes throughout the working day.

Thank you for your loyalty to our practice. We truly appreciate our patients.

Barrett R. Ginsberg, M.D.
Suzana A. Tanimoto, PA-C


FACTS:

What is coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in people and many different species of animals. COVID-19 Novel (meaning “new”) coronavirus is a virus strain that has only spread in people since December 2019. There are thousands of confirmed cases in China and additional cases being identified in a growing number of countries internationally, including the United States.

How does novel coronavirus spread?

The virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source, but now it seems to be spreading from person to person. Since this virus is very new, health authorities continue to carefully watch how this virus spreads. Other coronaviruses spread from an infected person to others through:

  • The air by coughing and sneezing
  • Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
  • Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes

How can I prevent getting novel coronavirus?

Currently, there are no vaccines available to prevent novel coronavirus infections. Steps you can take to prevent the spread of flu and the common cold will also help prevent coronavirus:

  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Stay home while you are sick and avoid contact with others
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

How severe is novel coronavirus?

People infected have had an illness that has ranged from mild (like a common cold) to severe pneumonia that requires medical care in a hospital. So far, deaths have been reported mainly in older adults who had other health conditions.

What are the symptoms?

People who have been diagnosed with novel coronavirus have symptoms that may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms may include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

How is novel coronavirus treated?

There is no specific treatment for coronavirus. Most people with mild coronavirus illness will recover on their own by drinking plenty of fluids, resting, and taking pain and fever medications. However, some people develop pneumonia and need medical care or treatment in a hospital.