Health Care Center Update March 6th 2020

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE ABOUT THE NEW CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19

3/6/20

Dear Martin’s Point Patient,

As your health care provider, we wanted to reach out to you with important information about the new coronavirus and the disease it causes—COVID-19. We understand the news about this virus can create concern. We want to assure you that Martin’s Point is working closely with health care organizations and government agencies to be prepared should we begin to see cases of COVID-19 in our community.

What you can do to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy:

Because the virus seems to spread through a cough, sneeze, or kiss, there are some simple things you can do to help keep yourself and others healthy:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Cough and sneeze into your sleeve or use a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Stay home when you are sick
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Disinfect frequently touched objects (like your cell phone) and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe

What to do if you start to feel sick:

COVID-19 creates symptoms that are similar to those of a bad cold or seasonal flu, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath. It’s important to remember that most COVID-19 cases are mild and can be treated at home. If you experience more intense symptoms, please call us.

Please DO NOT go straight to a hospital or other health care facility if you:

• Develop a fever, cough or difficulty breathing; AND;
• Have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19; OR
• Have recently traveled to an active outbreak area (China, Iran, Italy, South Korea)

Call us first. We’ll need to prepare for your arrival and determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19.

If you have questions, please call your Martin’s Point provider. You can also find helpful information about COVID-19 at these websites:

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Maine Department of Health and Human Services
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services

Thank you for taking steps to keep yourself and our community healthy!

Jonathan Harvey, MD
Chief Medical Officer