Dear Patients of SPOG,
As of Friday, March 13th, there have been over 220 positive cases of COVID-19 in California, 32 positive cases in Los Angeles County, and 1 confirmed case in Pasadena. There are cases reported in 46 states and Washington, DC. This situation is evolving rapidly with exponential growth of new infections.
We are asking patients who are at higher risk of becoming very sick from this virus to consider postponing their appointments to a later date. According to the CDC, this includes patients of older age and/or those with serious or long-term medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and lung disease.
In an effort to contain and mitigate the spread of the virus, we are also asking anyone who is experiencing any flu or cold-like symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath, etc., as well as anyone who has recently traveled to any of the countries listed by the CDC (China, Iran, Italy, Japan and Korea) to please call, text or e-mail us to reschedule any upcoming appointments. Please allow 2 weeks after all symptoms have subsided before coming in for an appointment.
Two reports suggest that COVID-19 can cause conjunctivitis/pink eye, although there are no documented reports in the US. It is possible to spread the illness through your tears, so avoid touching or rubbing your eyes. If you must touch your eyes or face, wash your hands thoroughly and use a tissue instead of your fingers to do so.
If you wear contact lenses and touch your eyes often, consider switching to glasses for a while as that may also add an extra layer of protection from droplets and contamination. When washing your hands, be sure to wash your fingertips well.
In the meantime, we will continue to monitor for updates and recommendations from the CDC on a daily basis to decrease any possibility of contagion while visiting our office. Our doors will remain open so you will not need to touch door handles. Please check in with our staff when you arrive, as we have eliminated our sign-in sheet and pens. We have increased the frequency of disinfecting rooms and high traffic areas, and have asked all staff and doctors to not come in if they are showing any signs of illness.
We thank you for your cooperation and appreciate your understanding during this time.
Here are some useful links:
Pasadena Public Health Department
Los Angeles County Health Department
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Thank you,
The Doctors and Staff
South Pasadena Optometric Group
(626) 441-5300
info@southpasadenaeyes.com
Text: (626) 465-3390
