Good afternoon Noah Foot and Ankle patients:


We would like to provide you with an update about how our practice is addressing the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. We are closely following the guidance of the CDC, NC Department of Health and Human Services, and the local New Hanover County Health Department. Our goals are to assist patients in seeking appropriate medical care, to keep our patients and staff safe and well, and to prevent spread of this illness.


Please read these important recommendations for our patients:

If you have respiratory symptoms (cough, fever, sore throat, trouble breathing, etc.), AND have traveled to an area with a known outbreak of COVID-19 within the last 14 days OR been exposed to someone with known/suspected COVID-19:

  • Call our office first and inform our staff of your symptoms, travel, and exposures. We will help you communicate with the health department for testing if indicated and determine the next steps.

  • We do not have the ability to test for COVID-19 in our office at this time. We will let you know if this changes.

  • If you are having mild symptoms, we may recommend that you stay home.

  • If you have underlying medical conditions that increase your risk of severe illness, and have symptoms, we may recommend seeking immediate care.

  • If you are having severe symptoms including shortness of breath or high fever, call your PCP or your closest Emergency Room.

    If you do come to our office for an appointment and report the above symptoms and travel or exposure risk, we will provide you with a mask immediately to wear while in our clinic, and will initiate our protocol for isolation and personal protective equipment for our staff.

General recommendations if you are sick:

  • Stay at home and avoid contact with others

  • Avoid travel while sick

  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing

  • Disinfect objects and surfaces with household disinfecting sprays

  • Before visiting any medical office, call to inform them of your symptoms, travel, and exposures so that they can be best prepared to help you and prevent spread of illness.

  • Request a mask immediately if you visit a medical office and wear it throughout your visit.

Recommendations for prevention if you are not sick:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick

  • Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands

  • Disinfect objects and surfaces

Recommended resources for further information and latest updates about COVID-19:


CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
NC Department of Health and Human Services:
https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina
New Hanover County Health Department:
https://health.nhcgov.com/your-environment/public-health/coronavirus/?663

We will continue to follow the latest information and guidelines regarding COVID-19 closely, and will keep you informed. You can also monitor our website and social media for any alerts. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.


Best,


The Noah and Ankle Center Team