To our valued patients and families,
As the COVID-19 (Coronavirus 2019) has become
prevalent in the United States and now in Maryland, all families are
understandably seeking assurances from local leaders that they are prepared for
every conceivable possibility and everything possible is being done to protect
the residents in our area. Please know that our Performance Orthopedics team
members are dedicating significant efforts to collaborating with local, state
and federal agencies to provide the most accurate information.
We will continue to exceed all OSHA standards to
maintain a safe and healthy environment to our patients, families, and
employees; it is one of our many practice strengths. Our response to COVID-19 is no different. At
this time, we are fully operational and will continue until a change is deemed
necessary by local, state or national health professionals. We are providing
telemedicine visits over a secure telehealth platform. Should an issue require
in in-person visit, or even urgent/emergent surgery, we are taking every
measure to make sure this is safe for both you and our staff.
We will continue to remain in contact with the CDC and
Maryland Department of Health for the latest information and changes with
respect to Emergency Management and Infectious Disease Reponses. This will be
our guide should COVID-19 directly impact us and our community.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus
disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being
exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday
preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases,
including:
Stay home when you are sick.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw
the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and
surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
It is currently the recommendation in Maryland that facemasks
should be used by people to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are
taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care
facility).
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least
20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after
blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an
alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with
soap and water if hands are visibly dirty
Call to reschedule your appointment if you or someone
in your household is sick. Help us prevent the spread of the virus.
Information and updates related to COVID–19 can be
found on the Center for Disease Control’s website (CDC)
(https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html).
The best thing we can do at this point is to remain
informed and prepared to deal with any situation that arises. With so many
variables, it will be critical for all of us to remain focused, stay calm, and
use whatever preventative measures we have available to help ensure the safety
of everyone involved with our practice. Our practice is home to all patients,
including some with medically compromised immune systems, so please help us
maintain a safe environment for all.
Performance Orthopedics is a proactive,
prevention-driven practice. We will
continue to make practice-wide changes as needed. You have our commitment that our focus during
this concerning time is on preparation and continued safety for all our
patients, families, and employees.
Thank You,
Dr. Justin Cashman