Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Updates
News and updates on the local COVID-19 response
RCMS Community Update March 30, 2020
PLEASE CALL BEFORE YOU COME (707-884-4005) for Urgent or Primary Care
COVID-19 Testing
Given the shortage of test kits, we are following the Public Health Department protocol and guidelines regarding who will be tested. Not everyone is tested. Given the current lab turnaround time, it could take 7+ days for us to get the results.
If you are tested, you will be instructed to follow the Public Health Department’s self-isolation guidelines that are provided to us
Urgent Care
Main Gualala Building, for the time being, is converted into an Urgent Care only facility.
While our focus is those with respiratory issues, Urgent Care is still seeing all other urgent/emergent medical conditions. We have divided Urgent Care into respiratory and non-respiratory zones in an effort to keep patients safe.
PLEASE CALL FIRST so that we can direct you to the appropriate clinic for your care. Once you arrive at the facility, you will be received at the Triage tent outside and the nurse there will guide you to the appropriate location in our facility.
Primary Care
We are also available, think it is important, and want to continue to provide access to Primary Care services. This can be done in couple of ways.
If you are able to come into the clinic:
If you are not able to come to the clinic:
Please note that a clinic visit for getting medical care is not restricted under shelter in place guidelines. You are still allowed to visit your medical provider.
Our providers and support staff are following appropriate guidelines regarding wearing protection gear. All our facilities are regularly disinfected as required
RCMS Contingency Plan
We continue to update our contingency plan as COVID-19 related situation evolves. These include, but are not limited to:
We, at RCMS, are focused on keeping our community safe and healthy during this stressful time. And we very much appreciate all the help and support we are getting from the community.
PLEASE FOLLOW ALL THE GUIDELINES GIVEN TO US BY THE PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIAL
PLEASE CALL BEFORE YOU COME (707-884-4005) for Urgent or Primary Care
COVID-19 Testing
Given the shortage of test kits, we are following the Public Health Department protocol and guidelines regarding who will be tested. Not everyone is tested. Given the current lab turnaround time, it could take 7+ days for us to get the results.
If you are tested, you will be instructed to follow the Public Health Department’s self-isolation guidelines that are provided to us
Urgent Care
Main Gualala Building, for the time being, is converted into an Urgent Care only facility.
While our focus is those with respiratory issues, Urgent Care is still seeing all other urgent/emergent medical conditions. We have divided Urgent Care into respiratory and non-respiratory zones in an effort to keep patients safe.
PLEASE CALL FIRST so that we can direct you to the appropriate clinic for your care. Once you arrive at the facility, you will be received at the Triage tent outside and the nurse there will guide you to the appropriate location in our facility.
Primary Care
We are also available, think it is important, and want to continue to provide access to Primary Care services. This can be done in couple of ways.
If you are able to come into the clinic:
- Sea Watch in Gualala and the RCMS Point Arena Medical Clinic are open for Primary Care to patients without infectious respiratory symptoms.
- We have providers available for well child visits and vaccinations (important not to get behind), lab/blood draws ordered by your PCP and outside providers, INR’s, A1c’s, MAT rx and med refills, and chronic and other health care maintenance issues.
If you are not able to come to the clinic:
- Over age 65, chronic medical issues: copd, emphysema, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, other lung issues, or are immunocompromised; or due to transportation or other challenges cannot get into the clinic, you can set up a Telehealth visit.
- One of our providers can call you at home and/or connect with you on a video platform (requires a smart phone with a camera or a computer) and address your medical concerns.
Please note that a clinic visit for getting medical care is not restricted under shelter in place guidelines. You are still allowed to visit your medical provider.
Our providers and support staff are following appropriate guidelines regarding wearing protection gear. All our facilities are regularly disinfected as required
RCMS Contingency Plan
We continue to update our contingency plan as COVID-19 related situation evolves. These include, but are not limited to:
- Convert the Gualala main building into an urgent care only facility, if needed
- Rotation plan for our providers and clinic support staff for extended coverage to care for patients
- Additional facilities (tents) in case of surge in Urgent Care patients
- Coordination with CLSD, local Fire departments
- Constant communication with County Public Health Department for help and coordination
- Putting together a list of volunteers, both medical and non-medical, for need during a surge
- Having adequate medical supplies
We, at RCMS, are focused on keeping our community safe and healthy during this stressful time. And we very much appreciate all the help and support we are getting from the community.
PLEASE FOLLOW ALL THE GUIDELINES GIVEN TO US BY THE PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIAL
RCMS Community Update March 25, 2020
Urgent Care
Focus has been on taking care of urgent care patients , especially those with respiratory issues. Urgent Care is still seeing all other urgent/emergent medical conditions, and we have divided the clinic into respiratory and non-respiratory zones in an effort to keep patients safe. PLEASE CALL BEFORE YOU COME.
Primary Care
We are also available, think it is important, and want to continue to provide access to Primary Care services. This can be done in a few ways.
If you are worried about leaving your home and are sheltering in place:
If you are able to come into the clinic:
We also will be looking through our medical records and you may get a call from us if your provider thinks it is important to have either a Telehealth or in person visit.
We want to keep you and our community healthy!
Thank you
Urgent Care
Focus has been on taking care of urgent care patients , especially those with respiratory issues. Urgent Care is still seeing all other urgent/emergent medical conditions, and we have divided the clinic into respiratory and non-respiratory zones in an effort to keep patients safe. PLEASE CALL BEFORE YOU COME.
Primary Care
We are also available, think it is important, and want to continue to provide access to Primary Care services. This can be done in a few ways.
If you are worried about leaving your home and are sheltering in place:
- Over age 65, chronic medical issues: copd, emphysema, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, other lung issues, or are immune compromised; or due to transportation or other challenges cannot get into the clinic, you can set up a Telehealth visit.
- One of our providers can call you at home and/or connect with you on a video platform(requires a smart phone with a camera or a computer) and address your medical concerns.
- Telehealth visits can be scheduled by calling 884-4005/882-1704
If you are able to come into the clinic:
- Sea Watch in Gualala and the RCMS Point Arena Medical Clinic are still up and running.
- We are only seeing asymptomatic patients at these two sites. No one who is sick with fevers or respiratory issues!
- (The main Gualala clinic is reserved for Urgent Care and patients with symptoms).
- We have providers available for well child visits and vaccinations(important not to get behind), lab/blood draws ordered by your PCP and outside providers, INR’s, A1c’s, MAT rx and med refills, and chronic and other health care maintenance issues.
We also will be looking through our medical records and you may get a call from us if your provider thinks it is important to have either a Telehealth or in person visit.
We want to keep you and our community healthy!
Thank you
Procedures for Evaluating/Testing Patients with Respiratory Symptoms during COVID-19 Pandemic March 23, 2020
Dear Mendonoma friends and neighbors:
Here is an update on where RCMS stands regarding the current pandemic.
While we continue to request more test kits, because we are only getting a small fraction of what we are asking for, we cannot test everyone.
Testing criteria for Coronavirus are provided to RCMS by the Mendocino County Health Department, and we are required to comply with these criteria.
Because Coronavirus (COVID-19) was detected in a patient in Mendocino County last week, the Health Department has moved from the Detection phase to the Containment/Mitigation phase of our reaction. This also impacts our Coronavirus testing.
We understand and acknowledge that people are concerned and many want to be tested – even if they have no symptoms or mild cold symptoms. But because the supply of test kits is limited, we must reserve them for patients who show specific symptoms and meet precise clinical testing criteria. Our clinicians and health care providers are working collaboratively with the County Health Department to determine who should be tested following the protocol established for our current containment phase.
Testing priorities are given to ill patients who show specific symptoms and are in high risk populations (due to a particular chronic illness and/or of elderly status), and in essential professions (e.g., medical providers, EMS providers, firefighters, and other essential personnel).
Because of the shortage of the test kits, we are not testing patients without symptoms. Some patients evaluated with cold/flu like symptoms (but not in the testing priority group) will be sent home without testing -- and may be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days following Health Department guidelines.
If you are asked to self-quarantine, you should:
1) Isolate yourself in your own room, if possible.
2) Use your own bathroom, if possible.
3) Wipe down bathroom and commonly touched surfaces several times a day with a disinfecting solution. Those surfaces include sinks, toilet handles, door handles, cell phones, house phones, countertops, and any horizontal surface.
4) Avoid going into public.
5) If interacting with family/roommates, wear a protective mask.
Go to www.cdc.gov\\COVID19 for further information.
Please note that the lab to which we have been asked to send our tests says it might take up to 7 days to get test results back. The lab does not have the capacity to quickly handle the volume of tests they are receiving.
What happens if you test positive for COVID-19:
If you test positive, the lab will inform your RCMS Medical Provider immediately. RCMS will then contact you, the patient, and discuss a treatment plan. RCMS will then contact the Health Department. The Health Department takes over the case from then on. RCMS is required by law to keep your information confidential.
If you have been in contact with a COVID-19 case in your community or in travel:
· And have NO SYMPTOMS, and have not yet been contacted by the Health Department, please: 1) self-isolate in your home; 2) contact the Health Department Coronavirus Hotline at 707-234-6052 for direction. They will advise you what to do next.
· If you have fever with cough/flu/cold symptoms, call RCMS and speak to a Triage Nurse or Provider, who will guide you in what to do, based on your symptoms and Health Department Guidelines.
If you are just sick with cough/cold/flu symptoms but have had no COVID-19 contacts: PLEASE CALL THE CLINIC FIRST BEFORE COMING TO THE CLINIC. 707-884-4005
You will be triaged by a Nurse or Provider, who will advise you what to do.
If you have other medical concerns – such as an injury, illness, or medical need like a medication refill or vaccination:
RCMS has three clinics: Gualala, Sea Watch and Point Arena.
· The Sea Watch and Point Arena Clinics will continue to see our primary care patients as well as non-respiratory/cough/feverish patients.
· The Gualala clinic will continue to see some scheduled primary care patients, as well as all emergencies/urgent care needs – including respiratory illnesses.
PLEASE CALL AHEAD AT 707-884-4005 SO WE CAN PLAN FOR YOUR ARRIVAL AT THE PROPER CLINIC, NO MATTER WHAT YOUR MEDICAL CONCERN.
We are very grateful for your patience at this stressful time. As situations change, we are committed to keeping you informed.
Please remain in social isolation, per mandate of Sonoma and Mendocino County governments. This is the most essential strategy to stop the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID19) in our community.
And if you can, please reach out your local, state, and federal representatives to let them know the shortage of test kits which is significantly impacting our ability to do appropriate testing and help control this pandemic.
Most of all, thank you for taking every precaution to protect yourself and our community. Please stay safe!
Dear Mendonoma friends and neighbors:
Here is an update on where RCMS stands regarding the current pandemic.
While we continue to request more test kits, because we are only getting a small fraction of what we are asking for, we cannot test everyone.
Testing criteria for Coronavirus are provided to RCMS by the Mendocino County Health Department, and we are required to comply with these criteria.
Because Coronavirus (COVID-19) was detected in a patient in Mendocino County last week, the Health Department has moved from the Detection phase to the Containment/Mitigation phase of our reaction. This also impacts our Coronavirus testing.
We understand and acknowledge that people are concerned and many want to be tested – even if they have no symptoms or mild cold symptoms. But because the supply of test kits is limited, we must reserve them for patients who show specific symptoms and meet precise clinical testing criteria. Our clinicians and health care providers are working collaboratively with the County Health Department to determine who should be tested following the protocol established for our current containment phase.
Testing priorities are given to ill patients who show specific symptoms and are in high risk populations (due to a particular chronic illness and/or of elderly status), and in essential professions (e.g., medical providers, EMS providers, firefighters, and other essential personnel).
Because of the shortage of the test kits, we are not testing patients without symptoms. Some patients evaluated with cold/flu like symptoms (but not in the testing priority group) will be sent home without testing -- and may be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days following Health Department guidelines.
If you are asked to self-quarantine, you should:
1) Isolate yourself in your own room, if possible.
2) Use your own bathroom, if possible.
3) Wipe down bathroom and commonly touched surfaces several times a day with a disinfecting solution. Those surfaces include sinks, toilet handles, door handles, cell phones, house phones, countertops, and any horizontal surface.
4) Avoid going into public.
5) If interacting with family/roommates, wear a protective mask.
Go to www.cdc.gov\\COVID19 for further information.
Please note that the lab to which we have been asked to send our tests says it might take up to 7 days to get test results back. The lab does not have the capacity to quickly handle the volume of tests they are receiving.
What happens if you test positive for COVID-19:
If you test positive, the lab will inform your RCMS Medical Provider immediately. RCMS will then contact you, the patient, and discuss a treatment plan. RCMS will then contact the Health Department. The Health Department takes over the case from then on. RCMS is required by law to keep your information confidential.
If you have been in contact with a COVID-19 case in your community or in travel:
· And have NO SYMPTOMS, and have not yet been contacted by the Health Department, please: 1) self-isolate in your home; 2) contact the Health Department Coronavirus Hotline at 707-234-6052 for direction. They will advise you what to do next.
· If you have fever with cough/flu/cold symptoms, call RCMS and speak to a Triage Nurse or Provider, who will guide you in what to do, based on your symptoms and Health Department Guidelines.
If you are just sick with cough/cold/flu symptoms but have had no COVID-19 contacts: PLEASE CALL THE CLINIC FIRST BEFORE COMING TO THE CLINIC. 707-884-4005
You will be triaged by a Nurse or Provider, who will advise you what to do.
If you have other medical concerns – such as an injury, illness, or medical need like a medication refill or vaccination:
RCMS has three clinics: Gualala, Sea Watch and Point Arena.
· The Sea Watch and Point Arena Clinics will continue to see our primary care patients as well as non-respiratory/cough/feverish patients.
· The Gualala clinic will continue to see some scheduled primary care patients, as well as all emergencies/urgent care needs – including respiratory illnesses.
PLEASE CALL AHEAD AT 707-884-4005 SO WE CAN PLAN FOR YOUR ARRIVAL AT THE PROPER CLINIC, NO MATTER WHAT YOUR MEDICAL CONCERN.
We are very grateful for your patience at this stressful time. As situations change, we are committed to keeping you informed.
Please remain in social isolation, per mandate of Sonoma and Mendocino County governments. This is the most essential strategy to stop the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID19) in our community.
And if you can, please reach out your local, state, and federal representatives to let them know the shortage of test kits which is significantly impacting our ability to do appropriate testing and help control this pandemic.
Most of all, thank you for taking every precaution to protect yourself and our community. Please stay safe!
Shelter-In-Place Orders Mendocino and Sonoma Counties March 19, 2020
Read the full story on our news page at:
First Confirmed Case of COVID-19 in Mendocino County. Health Officer Orders County Residents Shelter-In-Place
Read the full story on our news page at:
First Confirmed Case of COVID-19 in Mendocino County. Health Officer Orders County Residents Shelter-In-Place
RCMS Prepares for COVID-19 Coronavirus March 17, 2020
Dear Mendonoma Community:
I am writing this advisory to inform you of changes RCMS is making to our normal procedures in preparation for the possible influx to our Urgent Care of higher numbers of patients with respiratory distress and related symptoms. These steps are proactive, to prevent overwhelming our Urgent Care.
1.The Gualala Clinic will expand its Urgent Care (UC) space. It will be staffed by two providers. The first will attend to UC patients. The second provider will provide UC back-up as needed, while seeing primary care patients as time permits.
2.Non-Urgent Care/ Primary Care (e.g. normal primary care follow-ups, particularly for more pressing primary care issues) will be performed at Sea Watch (39150 Ocean Drive) and Point Arena. Sea Watch and Point Arena may have 2 providers at once.
3.Triage Tent: We have erected a tent in front of Urgent Care (for all triage) and a tent behind the parking lot for use for possible patient overflow. (Note: Triage is the process of sorting people based on their need for immediate medical treatment)
RCMS will start sending all respiratory/flu/cough/cold patients to the Gualala clinic. We are also strongly encouraging all patients (not just cough/cold/flu) to call 707-884-4005 before coming in. This will allow us to properly triage and isolate possible Coronavirus patients, as well as reduce risk of contaminating our other clinics.
CORONAVIRUS TESTING: We are NOT testing everyone nor doing screening for patients not showing any symptoms. Due to limited testing supplies, we have strict protocols for testing and non-testing, made by the providers on a case by case situation. If you are tested, you might be sent home to self-quarantine until your coronavirus test returns. Currently this is a 72 hours turnaround process. RCMS will exercise appropriate treatment protocol depending on the test result.
MASS CASUALTY PLAN: In the event that acutely ill patient numbers stress the system, we will shift to have more Providers doing Urgent Care duties. We have placed a treatment tent behind the parking lot for patient overflow. In addition, we are cooperating with the Coastal Life Support District (CLSD), the Fire Department, and Health Department to make future plans for this emergency.
OUR STAFF AND STAFF FAMILY HEALTH: We are actively monitoring the health of our staff. We will use the same protocol regarding testing/treating our staff. Our staff are wearing personal protective equipment consistent with protocols provided by the CDC.
RCMS understands that Coronavirus presents a challenging and stressful time for all Mendonomans. We are monitoring changes on a daily, even hourly, basis. We want you to know that RCMS is here for you. The RCMS staff and board urge you to be kind, calm, and patient with each other.
Ara Chakrabarti
Chief Executive Officer
Dear Mendonoma Community:
I am writing this advisory to inform you of changes RCMS is making to our normal procedures in preparation for the possible influx to our Urgent Care of higher numbers of patients with respiratory distress and related symptoms. These steps are proactive, to prevent overwhelming our Urgent Care.
1.The Gualala Clinic will expand its Urgent Care (UC) space. It will be staffed by two providers. The first will attend to UC patients. The second provider will provide UC back-up as needed, while seeing primary care patients as time permits.
2.Non-Urgent Care/ Primary Care (e.g. normal primary care follow-ups, particularly for more pressing primary care issues) will be performed at Sea Watch (39150 Ocean Drive) and Point Arena. Sea Watch and Point Arena may have 2 providers at once.
3.Triage Tent: We have erected a tent in front of Urgent Care (for all triage) and a tent behind the parking lot for use for possible patient overflow. (Note: Triage is the process of sorting people based on their need for immediate medical treatment)
RCMS will start sending all respiratory/flu/cough/cold patients to the Gualala clinic. We are also strongly encouraging all patients (not just cough/cold/flu) to call 707-884-4005 before coming in. This will allow us to properly triage and isolate possible Coronavirus patients, as well as reduce risk of contaminating our other clinics.
CORONAVIRUS TESTING: We are NOT testing everyone nor doing screening for patients not showing any symptoms. Due to limited testing supplies, we have strict protocols for testing and non-testing, made by the providers on a case by case situation. If you are tested, you might be sent home to self-quarantine until your coronavirus test returns. Currently this is a 72 hours turnaround process. RCMS will exercise appropriate treatment protocol depending on the test result.
MASS CASUALTY PLAN: In the event that acutely ill patient numbers stress the system, we will shift to have more Providers doing Urgent Care duties. We have placed a treatment tent behind the parking lot for patient overflow. In addition, we are cooperating with the Coastal Life Support District (CLSD), the Fire Department, and Health Department to make future plans for this emergency.
OUR STAFF AND STAFF FAMILY HEALTH: We are actively monitoring the health of our staff. We will use the same protocol regarding testing/treating our staff. Our staff are wearing personal protective equipment consistent with protocols provided by the CDC.
RCMS understands that Coronavirus presents a challenging and stressful time for all Mendonomans. We are monitoring changes on a daily, even hourly, basis. We want you to know that RCMS is here for you. The RCMS staff and board urge you to be kind, calm, and patient with each other.
Ara Chakrabarti
Chief Executive Officer
RCMS Dental Clinic Coronavirus Protocols March 16, 2020
Effective Immediately: In our continuing effort to be prepared for the COVID-19 Coronavirus, the RCMS Dental Clinic is accommodating emergency patients only. This determination will be done on a case by case basis in order to decide whether the dental facility is an appropriate setting to provide the necessary services needed. Please call our dental facility at 707-882-2189 before coming in.
Effective Immediately: In our continuing effort to be prepared for the COVID-19 Coronavirus, the RCMS Dental Clinic is accommodating emergency patients only. This determination will be done on a case by case basis in order to decide whether the dental facility is an appropriate setting to provide the necessary services needed. Please call our dental facility at 707-882-2189 before coming in.
Coronavirus Update March 15, 2020
PLEASE CALL BEFORE YOU COME, FOR ALL URGENT COMPLAINTS, IF POSSIBLE!
Before you come to RCMS for an urgent medical need, please call (707-884-4005). We may have you speak to a Triage Nurse or Provider before you come, to better prepare for your visit.
WHITE TRIAGE TENT
In our continuing effort to be prepared for COVID-19 (Coronavirus), RCMS has set up a white triage tent outside of the main entrance of the Gualala clinic. When you arrive at the Gualala Clinic, please first stop at this white tent. You will be briefly evaluated by a Triage Team. Depending on your medical condition, we may direct you to different entrances of the clinic, or into the tent, in an effort to keep all patients safe, and efficiently gather patient information.
COVID19 TESTING
RCMS is able to perform COVID19 testing on a case by case basis, guided by CDC/ Health Department criteria. This is a send out test which takes 72+ hours to get back. We currently have limited testing supplies, and therefore cannot test and screen everyone. We are NOT performing screening testing (i.e. testing of persons without symptoms). Please do not come to RCMS to get screened. The Federal Government has announced that front-line screening will soon be available to Americans. We will keep you posted if this service becomes available in our community.
GENERAL COVID19 QUESTIONS
If you have general questions about COVID19, visit www.cdc.gov
PLEASE CALL BEFORE YOU COME, FOR ALL URGENT COMPLAINTS, IF POSSIBLE!
Before you come to RCMS for an urgent medical need, please call (707-884-4005). We may have you speak to a Triage Nurse or Provider before you come, to better prepare for your visit.
WHITE TRIAGE TENT
In our continuing effort to be prepared for COVID-19 (Coronavirus), RCMS has set up a white triage tent outside of the main entrance of the Gualala clinic. When you arrive at the Gualala Clinic, please first stop at this white tent. You will be briefly evaluated by a Triage Team. Depending on your medical condition, we may direct you to different entrances of the clinic, or into the tent, in an effort to keep all patients safe, and efficiently gather patient information.
COVID19 TESTING
RCMS is able to perform COVID19 testing on a case by case basis, guided by CDC/ Health Department criteria. This is a send out test which takes 72+ hours to get back. We currently have limited testing supplies, and therefore cannot test and screen everyone. We are NOT performing screening testing (i.e. testing of persons without symptoms). Please do not come to RCMS to get screened. The Federal Government has announced that front-line screening will soon be available to Americans. We will keep you posted if this service becomes available in our community.
GENERAL COVID19 QUESTIONS
If you have general questions about COVID19, visit www.cdc.gov
Coronavirus Update March 10, 2020
RCMS is working collaboratively with the Mendocino County Department of Health, California Department of Health, and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to prepare for Coronavirus (COVID19) in our community. There are currently no reported cases in our RCMS service area. We recommend that all patients regularly check the CDC website for the most up-to-date recommendations regarding preparing for and responding to the infection: www.cdc.gov
COVID-19 is a new virus to humans. Currently there is no vaccine and no known treatment. Because humans are not protected by immunization or past immunity, approximately 70% of people are expected to eventually be infected by this virus. 80% of infected individuals will have no or very minor cold symptoms. 20% of infected individuals will have more severe infections, requiring medical care or even hospitalization.
Coronavirus is spread by “droplets” -- normally from coughing. It also can possibly be spread through stool. It can survive on surfaces – possibly for several hours. The best way to reduce risk of exposure is to avoid close contact with feverish or coughing individuals; wiping down surfaces and commonly touched areas (phones, doorknobs, etc.) with antiseptic solutions regularly; washing hands for 20 seconds with soap and water or an alcohol based hand sanitizer; and avoiding touching eyes/nose/mouth/face with unwashed hands.
High-risk persons -- including older adults, and persons with diabetes, lung disease, heart disease and immunocompromising conditions – are currently advised to avoid contact with anyone with cough/cold symptoms; avoid public gatherings and crowds; and avoid unnecessary airplane flights.
In the near future, anticipate public gatherings may be postponed or cancelled to avoid risk of viral spread.
Prepare your home for the possibility that you or a family member may be out of work or school – if someone falls ill, or there are work or school closures. Have 2 to 4 week supplies of food, cleaning products, medications and toiletries in your home.
Recommendations for medical care:
RCMS is working collaboratively with the Mendocino County Department of Health, California Department of Health, and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to prepare for Coronavirus (COVID19) in our community. There are currently no reported cases in our RCMS service area. We recommend that all patients regularly check the CDC website for the most up-to-date recommendations regarding preparing for and responding to the infection: www.cdc.gov
COVID-19 is a new virus to humans. Currently there is no vaccine and no known treatment. Because humans are not protected by immunization or past immunity, approximately 70% of people are expected to eventually be infected by this virus. 80% of infected individuals will have no or very minor cold symptoms. 20% of infected individuals will have more severe infections, requiring medical care or even hospitalization.
Coronavirus is spread by “droplets” -- normally from coughing. It also can possibly be spread through stool. It can survive on surfaces – possibly for several hours. The best way to reduce risk of exposure is to avoid close contact with feverish or coughing individuals; wiping down surfaces and commonly touched areas (phones, doorknobs, etc.) with antiseptic solutions regularly; washing hands for 20 seconds with soap and water or an alcohol based hand sanitizer; and avoiding touching eyes/nose/mouth/face with unwashed hands.
High-risk persons -- including older adults, and persons with diabetes, lung disease, heart disease and immunocompromising conditions – are currently advised to avoid contact with anyone with cough/cold symptoms; avoid public gatherings and crowds; and avoid unnecessary airplane flights.
In the near future, anticipate public gatherings may be postponed or cancelled to avoid risk of viral spread.
Prepare your home for the possibility that you or a family member may be out of work or school – if someone falls ill, or there are work or school closures. Have 2 to 4 week supplies of food, cleaning products, medications and toiletries in your home.
Recommendations for medical care:
- Have sufficient quantities of your prescription medications on hand. If you are running out, contact the clinic to request medication refills. Consider medication delivery or mail order services – in order to avoid unnecessary trips to the pharmacy.
- If you have cough/cold symptoms, please stay home from work and school and remain out of public spaces.
- If you have Coronavirus contacts/risk factors (recent travel to China, South Korea, Italy, Japan, or were on a Princess Cruise from San Francisco to Mexico on February 11 – 21) or have known contact with a patient with Coronavirus, please contact the Health Department Coronavirus Hotline at 707-234-6052 for guidance.
- If you feel ill (more than a common cold that you feel you can manage at home), including fever, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, or any other symptoms of concern, PLEASE CALL THE CLINIC BEFORE YOU COME IN at 707-884-4005. A triage nurse or provider will speak to you and make a plan for your care. If you are extremely ill, we may advise you to call 911 and proceed to the hospital for appropriate testing and care. Otherwise, you will be provided a time to come in to the clinic. We will ask for your cell phone number and the color and model of your vehicle. Upon your arrival at RCMS, please call the front desk and advise them you have arrived in the parking lot. Stay in your car until you are invited into the clinic – when we have a room available for you. We will escort you in through the Urgent Care door.
- Testing for the coronavirus is now available as a SEND OUT test, which takes several days to get back, and is performed if patients meet specific clinical criteria – in collaboration with guidance from the Health Department. There is currently NO same day Coronavirus testing available.
- RCMS will continue to provide normal “primary care”, including physicals, blood pressure checks, lab draws, etc., during this time.
