5/23/2020
Given the current circumstances of COVID-19 and the current executive orders limiting public interaction the below specifically addresses required guidelines.
Governor Whitmer in Executive Order 2020-96 specifically states in section XIX that, “Executive order 2020-17, which imposed temporary requirements regarding the postponement of non-essential medical and dental procedures, is rescinded as of May 28, 2020 at 11:59 pm.” That order goes on, “Outpatient health-care facilities, including veterinary offices, are subject to the workplace safety rules described in Executive Order 2020-97.”
As such, as of May 29, 2020 we will continues with scheduled services with the below provisions and protections identified in Executive Order 2020-97.
Executive 2020-97 also requires that the practices of the office to attempt to mitigate exposure be published either in paper form or online within two weeks of June 1, 2020. In this office the below practices will be in place:
- If any scheduled examinee is experiencing any symptoms potentially associated with illness (e.g. fever) then the appointment will be rescheduled and will not go forward.
- Each examinee is to limit the number of accompanying persons to the minimum possible. In the case of minor children one parent may accompany the examinee. However, adults who are able should not bring additional individuals with them to limit exposure risk.
- Each person, including staff, will have their temperature assessed with a contact less thermometer. If there is any indication of fever the examination will not take place and will be rescheduled.
- Each person, including all staff, will wear a non-medical grade mask throughout their presence in the office other than to assure identity. Those personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided.
- Disposable non-latex gloves will be made available for those who wish to use them.
- Hand sanitizer will be available for use and each person is encouraged to use it often.
- Plexiglass sneeze shields will be present for testing.
- Individuals will maintain a 6 foot distance from each other at all possible times. Further, testing will be modified to the degree possible (e.g. limiting some measures that are meaningful, but may be redundant) while maintaining valid standardized procedures to limit the need for interpersonal contact at less than 6 feet.
Additional protections regarding cleaning the facility:
- Surfaces that can be cleaned (e.g. chair surfaces and desktops) will be cleaned after each use.
- Any test equipment that has personal contact will be sanitized either with chemical disinfectant or UV lighting.
- Other surfaces (e.g. computer keyboard) will be waterproof and therefore able to be disinfected and cleaned after each use.
These measures will be in place for examinee and staff protection for the foreseeable future until there is further guidance to begin a staged relaxation of the need for mitigation procedures. Additional procedures may be added as appropriate.