Dear OrthoManhattan community,
The health, wellness, and safety of our patients and employees is our first priority. We continue to monitor the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and are keeping an eye on official information including guidance published by the CDC, WHO, the NYS Department of Health, and the New York City Department of Health.
We are requesting that you follow the CDC policy, and kindly ask if you are displaying symptoms of sickness (such as the common cold, any flu symptoms, or general symptoms of illness) to please stay home and wait until you are symptom-free before coming for a consultation.
Please note:
- OrthoManhattan CANNOT perform testing for coronavirus on-site. We ask that you please contact your primary care physician or visit your local emergency room for evaluation if you feel you have been exposed to coronavirus and have a fever and cough or shortness of breath.
- One person is allowed to accompany each patient to an appointment unless an aide or assistant is required.
Any visitor who is coughing or shows other signs of illness may be asked to leave. - If you are experiencing an orthopedic problem that needs immediate attention, and you have symptoms such as above, please call our office to discuss your evaluation options.
Further, if you have traveled to any of the affected countries outlined by the CDC at CDC Travel, please follow the CDC’s most up-to-date and recommended guidelines. We will gladly accommodate an alternate appointment for you due to illness.
Thank you for helping us keep OrthoManhattan a safe and healthy environment.
More Information about Coronavirus (COVID-19):
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 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 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.
For more information:
New York Corona Virus Hotline – Call 1-888-364-3065 for Information about Coronavirus
https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/ncov.shtml
https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
www.cdc.gov/travel for the latest travel guidance from the CDC