COVID-19 Updates/Information
COVID‑19
UPDATES
Coronavirus/COVID-19 Updates
LAST UPDATED: 6/01/20, 5:59 PM
"COVID-19 is now a Pandemic. A pandemic is a global outbreak of disease. Pandemics happen when a new virus emerges to
infect people and can spread between people sustainably. Because there is little to no pre-existing immunity against the new
virus, it spreads worldwide." - Centers for Disease Control COVID-19 update (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html)
SleepMS is adopting new procedures and policies to protect its patients and staff from contracting and spreading the Novel Coronavirus COVID-19.
Our management and medical director are continually monitoring developments to understand and respond to COVID-19.
We have implemented new advanced policies recommended by the CDC and Califonia Department of Public Health to control the spread of this virus and to keep our patients and staff as safe as possible.
Telemedicine Visits: Front Office Hours: 10 am - 5 pm
We are limiting access to our clinic during the day until further notice.
We are now offering telemedicine (a smartphone or computer with audio/video required) for initial and follow up appointments. Phone only visits are also available on request.
Patient Admission to Clinic/Sleep Lab: Sleep Lab Hours: 7:30 pm - 7 am
Sick patients must remain at home.
We will screen all patients on arrival (temperature and symptom check). Patients with even mild flu-like symptoms or a fever of 100º or greater with a cough or shortness of breath won’t be allowed into the center and will need to reschedule. Patients that traveled to other states/countries within the last 14 days won't be seen and should follow the CDC guidelines (including self-quarantine). Patients over
the age of 70 that choose to self-quarantine may cancel or reschedule appointments without late fees.
For your safety during your visit or sleep study we require the following:
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Patients must come alone. Only scheduled patients will be allowed in the clinic for In-lab diagnostic procedures only.
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Patients should sanitize their hands with hand sanitizer before entering their rooms.
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Patients should also bring and wear a face mask
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Hand sanitizer, gloves, and face masks will be provided for each patient.
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Patients should always follow CDC recommendations to wash hands and not to touch their faces.
Cleaning & Disinfecting:
We have increased disinfecting policies and processes
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All surfaces in bedrooms and restrooms are disinfected throughout the day.
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Communal surfaces like doorknobs, lights switches, faucet & toilet handles, chairs, tabletop, lamps, remotes, and flashlights are disinfected before and after every patient encounter.
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Our house cleaning service also disinfects and thoroughly cleans the entire sleep lab and office after each day, before sleep studies. Staff cleans these surfaces after sleep studies in the morning.
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We use hospital-grade laundry/sanitation services for bed linen but we are also now using disposable pillowcases in all rooms for extra protection between patients.
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There is a12-hour room irrigation between each in-lab sleep study.
Home Sleep Apnea Testing
Home Sleep Apnea Tests, are currently available but at limited capacity due to 72-hour period quarantine between patients.
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We have ordered new testing units to meet the anticipated need.
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To minimize cross patient interactions we will now offer Curbside pickup for Home Sleep Apnea Testing Kits.
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The patient instruction will also be conducted at curbside in our parking lot.
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We do encourage patients to watch the instructional video first prior to coming to pick up their Home Sleep Apnea Test Kit.
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The Instructional video can be found here: ApneaLink Air Instructional Video
We have suspended in lab PAP Titration studies until further notice.
If you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide as much notice as possible. Please call us at (408) 295-4532 to schedule an appointment.
We will continue to monitor this developing situation closely. We are prepared to navigate through these challenging circumstances with your safety and confidence at the forefront of everything we do.
Your health and safety are our top priorities. Check back frequently for updates about this new virus, including how to prevent it and what to do if you have symptoms or other concerns.
Surgeon General Social Distancing
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, respiratory or otherwise, please call 911 or your primary care doctor immediately. Be sure to tell them of any exposure you may have had to COVID-19.
Coronavirus/COVID-19 information
To reduce your risk of contracting and/or spreading COVID-19, please follow these published guidelines for:
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Frequently asked questions about COVID-19 (including how it’s transmitted, common symptoms, and how we can best avoid it): World Health Organization (WHO)
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People at risk for serious illness from COVID-19: U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
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Common myths vs. facts about COVID-19: WHO
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Healthy hygiene: WHO
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Tips for health workers: WHO
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Tips for people at higher risk for serious illness: CDC
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Global travel guidance: WHO
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For U.S. citizens, CDC
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For Canadian citizens, Health Canada
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Latest COVID-19 updates in the U.S.: CDC
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Latest COVID-19 updates in Canada: Health Canada
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Rights, roles, and responsibilities of health workers, including key considerations for occupational safety and health: WHO
What is COVID‑19?
COVID‑19 is the new respiratory disease spreading around the world and it is caused by a coronavirus. COVID‑19 is short for “coronavirus disease 2019.”
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The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (about 6 feet) and through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
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People are most contagious when they are the sickest. But those who don’t have a lot of symptoms can still pass the virus on to others.
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There is currently no vaccine or cure for COVID‑19 but researchers are working to find one.
What are COVID‑19’s symptoms?
The most common symptoms are very similar to other viruses: fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
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Common symptoms of COVID‑19 are changing as more is learned about the disease. For the most up to date symptom list, visit the CDC’s website.
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Symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure and range from mild to severe illness.
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If you or someone you know has symptoms, our Screening Tool will recommend the best next steps.
Who is at high risk for COVID‑19?
Everyone is at risk of getting COVID‑19, but some people are at a higher risk of serious illness.
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Generally speaking, adults aged 65 and older and people of any age who have underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for serious illness from COVID‑19.
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The most up-to-date way to assess your risk is to complete our Screening Tool.
What about COVID‑19, pregnancy, and newborns?
At this time, pregnant women reportedly have the same COVID‑19 risk as adults who are not pregnant. There is also no clear evidence that a fetus can be infected with COVID‑19 in the womb.
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Pregnant women are known to have a higher risk of severe illness when infected with viruses from the same family as COVID‑19 and other viral respiratory infections. This is why pregnant women should take extra precautions to not get COVID‑19. Avoid those who have or who have been exposed to COVID‑19. Wash your hands often. Practice physical distancing. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily
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During this time, it’s normal for care providers to change some prenatal visits to telemedicine.
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Ask if your delivering hospital has changed any rules, like if you’ll be asked to wear a face-covering while giving birth or if there is a new visitor policy.
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Most babies born to people with COVID‑19 are not affected. However, once the baby is born, it is at risk
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for infection. New parents should take the same precautions to protect themselves from illness as pregnant women.
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So far, COVID‑19 has not been detected in breast milk. If you are sick, including with COVID‑19, wear a cloth face covering and wash your hands before each feeding. If pumping milk, do not share your pump with anyone else. Wash your hands before expressing milk or before touching the pump or bottle parts. Follow recommendations for cleaning the pump and parts after each use. If possible, have someone who is not sick feed the baby.
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Stay in touch with your care team if you feel sick or develop COVID‑19 symptoms.
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Pregnancy and postpartum can be stressful, and COVID‑19 can add to feelings of uncertainty, stress, anxiety, or depression. Talk with your care provider if you are feeling overwhelmed. Seek help if you are in crisis and feel like you may harm yourself or your baby.
Helplines and Crisis Resources
When should I see a doctor?
Knowing when to see a doctor can keep medical care available for those who need it most.
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Most mild symptoms can be treated at home. The most up-to-date way to assess your best next steps is to complete our Screening Tool.
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If you need to see your doctor, call the office before you go. Many physicians’ offices are doing virtual visits. They will tell you what to do based on your location.
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Testing is limited-availability across the country and is currently being prioritized for healthcare workers, emergency medical service providers, police, and other essential workers, so please consult your doctor for availability in your local area.
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If you develop emergency warning signs, call emergency services. Emergency warning signs include severe, constant chest pain or pressure; extreme difficulty breathing; severe, constant lightheadedness; or serious disorientation or unresponsiveness.
