Pioneer Valley Pediatrics, Inc Guideline and Protocols for Coronavirus (COVID-19)
We would like our patients and families to know about PVP’s policies and preparations for a possible coronavirus outbreak in our community. Coronaviruses have been around for decades and usually cause common cold and flu-like symptoms. COVID-19 is a new coronavirus that was first discovered in China and is now spreading throughout the world.
The good news is that in the pediatric population, COVID-19 has almost exclusively caused mild symptoms. Unfortunately, there are many unanswered questions regarding if and when this virus will come to our area and how many people might be infected if and when it does arrive.
To prepare for every eventuality, we have implemented the following protocols to ensure your visit to our office is as safe as possible, and at the same time that we are taking the best care of those patients who might have this disease and need medical care.
- If you call our office for a sick appointment you will be asked a few simple screening questions regarding travel, possible exposure to COVID-19, and symptoms. Answering these questions will help us determine if we should have you enter the office through a different door to reduce exposure to our other patients.
- While we are always available to see your sick children, we may recommend that you stay home with your child who does not need medical attention.
- Testing for this virus is determined solely by the Department of Public Health and we will contact them to get instructions if testing is indicated.
We want to emphasize that a vast majority of children infected with COVID-19 will likely be able to be treated at home in the same manner that you currently treat children with common respiratory ailments.
PVP has a team of Pediatricians, nurses and clerical staff that meet daily and will change this policy if the CDC suggests changes should be made. Please feel free to call our office if you have further questions regarding your child’s health or the potential spread of this virus. We are here to help you.
Below is a useful link that provides up to date and accurate information: