COVID-19

2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory infectious disease that can lead to flu-like symptoms including fever, cough and shortness of breath. 

Symptoms of COVID-19 can include: fever of 100.4 degrees or higher, cough or shortness of breath, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, vomiting or diarrhea, headache and sore throat. 

New loss of taste and smell have also been linked as common symptoms for the novel Coronavirus. 

1. Call your primary care provider, stay home and limit contact with family members until advised otherwise. Together with our public health partners, you’ll be advised on recommended next steps.
2. Call ahead BEFORE going in person to any healthcare facility.
3. Don’t go to your local emergency department for COVID-19 testing. The emergency department is only for those who need the most critical care.*
   * If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath or other potentially life-threatening problems, go to the nearest emergency department or call 911.

As your healthcare provider, we take serious care maintaining the safety of our patients, team and offices. Below are some ways we’re working to safeguard health and safety:

• Screen patients before appointments and at check-in
• Increased cleaning frequency of high-touch surfaces
• Hand sanitizer and tissues available in all main areas
• Offering virtual visits with your provider via TeleHealth
• Consistently updating our team on new protocols and procedures

Additionally, we will work to reschedule preventive appointments for patients who are at greater risk. All of these measures and more are meant to reduce the risk of exposure to our patients and team.

Following the advice from the CDC and Erie County Department of Health can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community. You can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 by: 

• Getting vaccinated
• Wearing a face mask/covering that covers both your nose and mouth when in public and in instances where you cannot properly socially distance
• Washing your hands thoroughly and often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds 
• Covering your cough and sneeze with a tissue (discard immediately) 
• Disinfect high-touch surfaces (cell phone, remote, door knob, etc.) 
• Avoiding touching your face with unwashed hands
• Practicing distancing as much as possible and avoiding large gatherings and unnecessary travel 

At Neighborhood Health Center, the health of you and your baby is a top priority. As we continue to sanitize and disinfect our offices frequently to ensure your health, it’s important for you to attend all routine and prenatal appointments. Click here for information from the CDC about pregnancy and COVID.

To learn more from the CDC, ECDOH and NYSDOH, click the links below: 

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 
• Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH)
• New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)