COVID-19 Update from Advantage Care Health Centers

Advantage Care Health Centers is actively monitoring all information regarding COVID-19, and we are taking any necessary steps to protect the safety of both our patients and health care professionals.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.

Please be advised of the following guidelines set forth by Advantage Care Health Center during the COVID-19 public health threat.

•  All sick calls will be will be subject to telephone triage by our nursing staff and will require the following information:
•  Symptoms, such as:
  • Fever >100.4
    Subjective Fever (feeling feverish)
    Chills
    Muscle Aches
    Runny Nose
    Sore Throat
    Cough (new onset or worsening of chronic cough)
    Shortness of Breath
    Nausea or Vomiting
    Headache
    Abdominal Pain
    Diarrhea (>3 loose/looser than normal stools/24hr period)
• Onset and duration of symptoms
• Recent travel both domestic and international
• Exposure to anyone who has been sick with the above symptoms
• Exposure to anyone who has recently traveled both domestic and international and is ill with respiratory illness like a cough or shortness of breath
• Appointments can be made for patients with the above symptoms after telephone triage by nursing staff.

 Notify the health center if the patient has a routine primary care or other appointment and has a fever and symptoms of a respiratory illness like a cough or shortness of breath. Patients who report or exhibit such symptoms will be asked to wear a mask upon arrival to the health center.

 At this time we request no walk-ins. A call to the health center @ (516) 686-4400 is necessary to prepare and schedule a visit for patients with the above symptoms.

 Thank you,

 Julie Bates, MD

Medical Director

If you are feeling any symptoms of respiratory illness before traveling, it is suggested that you not travel. If you, or someone who you live with, have just returned home from an area that has a current Centers for Disease Control (CDC) coronavirus travel advisory, please follow all CDC recommendations, and closely monitor your health.

• CDC: What the Public Should Do
• CDC: What you need to know about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• CDC: What to Do if You are Sick
• CDC FAQ for Travelers
• WHO Advice for Public

If you have symptoms, such as fever, cough or difficulty breathing, you are encouraged to seek medical attention, call your primary care physician.

The CDC is a great resource that provides guidance and recommendations for each country to which you may travel. The CDC has specific travel information for anyone going to any country deemed a high-risk location. Other websites you may wish to consult are the New York State Department of Health, the Nassau County Health Department and the World Health Organization.

Advantage Care continues to emphasize the importance of COVID-19 prevention strategies, including:

• Frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Social Distancing: All persons should be at least 6 feet apart, avoid any sharing of work, social spaces if at all possible
• Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when you sneeze or cough
• Using hand sanitizer when hands cannot be washed
• Refraining from touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Stay Home if You Are Sick: All are encouraged to stay home if they develop any signs of illness
• Clean and Disinfect Surfaces: Everyone is encouraged to disinfect work surfaces, door knobs, light switches, phones, sink faucets, and other areas often