MEMORANDUM
TO: ALL VIPCARE CLIENTS
FROM: DOUG THORPE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS
DATE: MARCH 16, 2020
As you know, the new coronavirus COVID-19 has been spreading in the United States and has sickened and even killed people. The number cases of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth of Virginia is increasing rapidly. Therefore we all must put into place practices that will lessen the transmission of COVID-19 and other viruses such as influenza and the common cold.
For the health and safety of all VIPCare clients and staff, please implement these strategies recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
• If you are feeling sick, have a cough, fever, or shortness of breath, please do not come to VIPCare for your appointment. We will gladly reschedule your appointment for a later date and will waive any late-cancellation fees.
• If you begin to feel sick in the middle of an appointment, please end the session and return home. We will not charge you for any session interrupted by the onset of illness.
• If you need to cough or sneeze, please cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue or into your elbow or shoulder if a tissue is not readily available. (There are tissues available in every room at VIPCare.)
• Please wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Please wash or sanitize your hands after coughing or sneezing. Many stores are already reporting shortages of sanitizer, so VIPCare may not be able to maintain a supply in the waiting room.
• Please limit hand shaking and please do not take offense if your VIPCare counselor declines the hand shake she or he customarily offers you. We do not want to be the means of transmission of any viruses.
• We are working to clean surfaces that get touched often, such as doorknobs and pens, but we cannot clean them after every touch.
• If you would prefer to have sessions by telephone or videoconference, please speak with your counselor about telehealth options at VIPCare.
Thank you for working with us to keep everyone as healthy as possible. Please call VIPCare with questions (804) 282-8332.