Altus Research
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
To Our Patients
March 19, 2020
Altus Research is committed to improving the lives of women every single day and our response to the Coronavirus is no exception to that commitment. As many of you know, this is an evolving issue with new information daily. We want to assure you that as a health care organization we are closely monitoring directives from the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), the Florida Department of Health and other news sources. We are providing information and training to our staff to ensure that all of our patients receive the best and safest care possible.
Effective today, March 19, 2020, we have revised our visitor policy consistent with CDC recommendations for social distancing and are asking that if you come to an appointment at one of our offices, that you please come alone. If a visitor must accompany you,we will permit only one visitor and that person must be 18 or older, and will be asked to complete our screening questionnaire.
Additionally, the CDC has recommended that healthcare providers delay routine, non-urgent care. In keeping with this recommendation, Altus Research is postponing well-woman exams and non-urgent appointments for all patients. Our providers will be reviewing the medical status of all patients to confirm that there are not any concerns requiring an in-person visit. If you have an upcoming appointment, someone from your provider’s office will contact you.
We have made this decision to reduce potential exposure of our patients, staff and providers. We encourage you to stay current with recommendations from the CDC for social distancing. We are actively investigating the use of telehealth appointments to offer some types of services virtually.
For most of the American public, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low. People who have been in close contact with someone known to have COVID-19 and travelers to affected international locations are at elevated risk of exposure. We do not encourage you to travel outside of the continental United States, on long haul flights or on any cruise at this time. The U.S. government and governments of other nations have placed significant travel restrictions. Please note that if you travel to a high-risk country or return from an international cruise and develop symptoms of fever, cough or cold, you will be advised to self-quarantine for 14 days.
While research is ongoing, there is currently no vaccine available to prevent coronavirus or any medication to cure the infection. Supportive care, including hospitalization and even intensive care as needed, has been used to successfully manage symptoms. As a reminder, if you are experiencing any respiratory symptoms, have fever, cough, shortness of breath,a sore throat or fatigue, please contact our office by phone to be screened before you visit any Altus Research location.
We encourage you to keep yourself updated on information about Coronavirus by visiting the following websites:
- World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
- Center for Disease Control (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
- Florida Department of Health: http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/COVID-19/
Altus Research practices remain open to serve you and ask that if you have symptoms you call first. Coronavirus is an evolving issue. Please do not hesitate to follow the Center for Disease Control’s website or call our office with any questions.
Stay home, stay safe.
Altus Research