As you are aware, our nation and the world are facing a challenging time with an outbreak of coronavirus- COVID-19.
Keeping your children healthy is our top priority. Towards that end, we have taken many precautions to minimize your child’s exposure to the virus.
❖ We are bringing patients back to an examination room immediately in order to minimize the time in the waiting room.
❖ We are disinfecting all surfaces including chairs, doorknobs more often than previously.
❖ We are asking that you only bring the child who is being seen if possible and come with only one parent.
❖ We are asking that you use hand sanitizer when you arrive and before you leave.
❖ We are restricting our well appointments to babies only in order to ensure that we continue to vaccinate. Well babies will be seen only in the morning. If your child is sick, please do not bring him/her to a well-baby appointment. CALL US and we will accommodate you.
Instead of taking your child to the Emergency department or to an urgent care center, CALL US. We are available to see your child during our office hours and we are available via telephone during off times. If your child is experiencing a fever, cough, shortness of breath, CALL US in order to receive instructions as to where is the best place for your child to receive care, testing and treatment. Please call 911 if your child is experiencing life-threatening symptoms. For more answers to frequently asked questions about COVID-19, go to:
www.cdc.gov
HOW TO TALK TO YOUR CHILD ABOUT COVID-19
Your child must be asking a lot of questions about the coronavirus. Here are some tips when talking to him/her.”
❖ Give your child simple and correct information. Think about your child’s age and personality. Find out what he/she knows and correct him/her if necessary.
❖ It’s okay if you don’t know something. Encourage him/her to look up the answers together.
❖ If your child is scared tell him/her it’s okay to feel that way and find ways to identify coping mechanisms together such as exercise, dance, listening to music.
❖ Minimize exposure to news outlets especially for the younger children.
❖ If someone gets sick in the family, explain that the doctors will work hard to get that person better.
There are many resources to help you and your child during this crisis.
To support your child:
https://childmind.org
https://www.healthychildren.org
Please feel free to call us with questions and concerns. We are here for you.
Dr. Bastien and staff