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A Note to Our Patients on Our

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Preparedness

Dear Patients,

We understand the growing concern surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) across the communities we serve. Thank you for being diligent in social distancing to help prevent the spread amongst our community. The health and safety of our patients, physicians, and staff is our top priority. Tucson Central Pediatrics has been actively preparing the office, physicians, and employees to identify possible patients with the COVID-19 virus and to prevent transmission to themselves, other patients, and visitors. We are reviewing our response on an ongoing basis as the situation evolves.

Based on current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO), in addition to our own standards and practices, we remain open and ready to provide exceptional patient care experiences.

We encourage all of our patients, but especially those caregivers over 60 or with underlying health issues, to practice “social distancing” to minimize spread of COVID-19 in the community. This means to STAY HOME and avoid gathering in public places. Cancel any non-critical appointments or meetings. If you must go to a grocery store, try to go at a less busy time; you can also have your groceries delivered. Please contact the office if you need assistance with obtaining meals.

Patients with Upcoming Appointments

We have separated our clinic into two different sessions, Our Morning session will be for well child checks or chronic follow ups. Our afternoon clinic 1pm-5pm will be dedicated to our acute illness only. This way we can try and prevent our well children from getting sick. If you are scheduled for a well exam and develop a cough or fever please call our office to reschedule your time. We are permitting only one caregiver to accompany patients to our office at this time. Also, we ask that if you are able to leave other children at home during your visit please do so.

If you have traveled internationally, traveled on any cruise ship, have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, OR if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, please call the office prior to your appointment for further guidance.

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

We will be screening every patient by phone, at check in, or both, to identify and limit the potential exposure to COVID-19 in our clinic.

COVID-19 Symptoms

Now that there is community spread, you do NOT need a travel history to be at risk for acquiring COVID-19.

Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure and can include:

  • Fever
  • Dry cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue

The severity of COVID-19 symptoms can range from very mild to severe. The elderly (over 60), and others who have existing medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease may be at higher risk of serious illness.

What If You Have Symptoms or Have Been Exposed to Someone with COVID-19?

  • Call your doctor for medical advice if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing.
  • Stay home except to get medical care. If you have mild illness, isolate at home. Avoid public areas and public transportation.
  • Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home.
  • Call ahead before visiting your doctor. This will help the office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.
  • If available, wear a face mask if you are sick.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes.
  • Clean your hands often. Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, you may use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Avoid sharing personal household items such as glasses, eating utensils, towels and bedding. Wash thoroughly after use with soap and water.
  • Clean all “high touch” surfaces every day, such as counters, door knobs, phones, tabletops, and bathroom fixtures.
  • Monitor your symptoms. Seek medical attention if your illness is worsening (such as difficulty breathing).
  • Call 911 if you have a medical emergency. Notify the dispatch personnel that you have, or are being evaluated for COVID-19. If possible, put on a facemask before emergency medical services arrive.
  • Stay at home until your healthcare provider tells you the risk of secondary transmission to others is thought to be low.

We will be updating this information as new details become available. You may also visit these websites for ongoing, updated information:

Sincerely,

Tucson Central Pediatrics

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