South Shore Women’s Health’s Policy Regarding the Coronavirus (COVID19)
The safety and health of our patients, staff and community will always be our first priority. At this time, South Shore Women’s Health continues to ensure every effort to minimize exposure and reduce transmission of the Coronavirus (COVID19). It is important to stay home if you are sick to prevent spreading the virus.
Update 1/11/22 –
We respectfully request that you follow the CDC and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health recommendations by coming to your appointment wearing a mask/scarf to cover your nose and mouth to protect those around you.
Effective June 25th: The Commonwealth’s face-covering order will be rescinded. Face coverings will continue to be required for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals at all times in Health Care Facilities and Provider Offices, defined as healthcare facilities or providers licensed or operated by the Commonwealth including nursing homes, rest homes, emergency medical services, hospitals, doctor’s office, urgent care settings, community health centers, vaccination sites, behavioral health clinics, and Bureau of Substance and Addiction Services (BSAS) facilities. This requirement applies to patients and staff.
For more information please visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-mask-requirements
During the COVID-19 crisis, we understand how difficult visitation restrictions may have been, but our efforts helped slow the spread of infection in our community.
- Effective immediately patients may be accompanied by family or support members to each visit including ultrasounds.
- All patients and visitors are required to wear a mask at all times. The only exceptions are children two years of age or under.
- All patients will need to read and answer the questionnaire and have their temperature taken before being allowed to enter clinical areas.
All patients and visitors are to wear masks in common spaces, such as waiting rooms, patient rooms, and hallways. All of the staff at South Shore Women’s Health will be wearing masks to protect you as well.
The CDC advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings can be fashioned from household items and made at home from common materials at low cost.
Please help us protect our vulnerable patient population by asking yourself these questions before coming in for your appointment:
Do you have symptoms?
- Cough
- Fever (temperature above 100.4 degrees)
- Shortness of breath, or lower respiratory infection symptoms
Have you had potential exposure?
- Have you, a family member, or co-worker traveled internationally (or been in contact with someone who has traveled internationally) within the last 14 days?
- If yes, where? Have you traveled to/from or through China, South Korea, Japan, Italy, or Iran?
- Have you had contact with anyone with a laboratory-confirmed case of Covid-19 (Coronavirus)?
If you answer YES to any of the above questions, please call the clinic so we can assess risk. It will be important to know when travel/exposure may have occurred, or if you are experiencing any symptoms. If South Shore Women’s Health assesses you to be at risk, you will be asked to reschedule your appointment to a future date for the safety of our staff and patients. You may be asked to be cleared by another doctor, and the Department of Public Health will be contacted. Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing can only be determined by the State Department of Public Health.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Family
Coronavirus is similar to the common cold and/or flu. It is spread from person to person through droplets in the air usually from a sneeze or cough. The most effective way to protect yourself and your family is to avoid exposure. Some effective measures include:
- Wash your hands often using soap and water for no less than 20 seconds
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a mask or tissue
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, handles, phones, etc.