July 17th, 2020 – 2:55 PM
Harbin Clinic –
The following press release was made on Friday July 17th by Harbin Clinic:
“Your safety is our top priority. At the onset of COVID-19 community spread, we made significant operational changes to ensure the safety of our patients, caregivers and community. Your health is essential, and we are here for you when you need access to safe, compassionate and expert care.
When you visit one of our locations, you’ll notice we’ve strategically adapted our day-to-day processes to keep everyone safe, including a new requirement that all patients and visitors wear a mask during the entirety of their visit. This comes in addition to the precautions we already have in place:
- We’ve enhanced our already high standards of sanitation in all spaces and at all locations.
- All patients are encouraged and expected to social distance throughout buildings and waiting rooms.
- Patients are screened for COVID-19 symptoms and exposure during the check-in process.
- Visitor restriction policies are in place to limit risk of exposure.
For patients not able to physically visit one of our locations, HarbinCONNECT virtual visits allow patients to schedule appointments with Harbin Clinic providers they know and trust from the comfort of home.
When it comes to masks, wearing is caring. Harbin Clinic is committed to caring completely for our patients and the community. Join us in this act of kindness by wearing masks and protecting others.
Why Wearing a Mask is Important
Face coverings and masks help protect wearers from potentially spreading the virus to others when they exhale. Like most viruses, COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets released when we sneeze, cough, talk, sing or yell. Facial coverings of any kind can “interrupt” those air particles from traveling outward, which is especially important for infectious, but asymptomatic, individuals. A particle “cloud” from a cough or sneeze can travel as wide as 25 feet.
Wearing a mask serves as a helpful barrier that reduces the amount of exhaled air particles and lowers the transmission of respiratory droplets to other people around you. You should wear a mask to protect others, and they should wear a mask to protect you.
The more people wearing masks in one location reduces the number of particles in the air and plays a vital role in slowing the spread of the virus. When we reduce the overall number of droplets in the air, we reduce everyone’s exposure to COVID-19.
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) reminds us to continue practicing preventative and healthy behaviors to combat the spread of COVID-19. In addition to wearing a mask, individuals should:
- Social distance, at least 6 feet apart from others
- Wash their hands with soap and water
- Stay home when sick
- Avoid large crowds and indoor spaces
- Take a COVID-19 test if you exhibit symptoms associated with COVID-19, and self-isolate at home until you receive a negative result.”