Unless you have been unplugged from the internet and television over the past few weeks, you have heard of the coronavirus disease 2019, now commonly referred to as COVID-19. Every day seems to bring new developments related to this outbreak, and the uncertainty can be unsettling. Our hearts go out to those who have been impacted by COVID-19 throughout the world. Although Edina Plastic Surgery does not wish to perpetuate any hysteria surrounding this disease, we want to address the concerns that some of you may have. Our top priority continues to be the safety and well-being of our patients and staff. We understand that everyone is in a different place when it comes to deciding what is best for you and your family. Please know that Edina Plastic Surgery is monitoring the COVID-19 situation carefully and frequently and that every step is being taken to ensure your safety when you enter our surgery and skin care centers.
What we currently know about COVID-19
The first case of COVID-19 was reported in Wuhan City, China last December. It is a respiratory disease that developed from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is likely that COVID-19 first occurred due to an animal-to-person transmission, but transmission has since spread from human-to-human. The virus has now been reported in over 70 countries, including the United States. As of Thursday morning, March 12, the US currently has 1323 cases reported. COVID-19 has been blamed for the deaths of 38 people in the United States at this time.
The virus initially presents itself with mild symptoms that include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. As you can imagine, COVID-19 can easily be written off as a common cold. Transmission of the virus is thought to be respiratory droplet – meaning if you are in proximity of someone who coughs or sneezes who has the virus, you could get it. It also means that if anyone coughs or sneezes on a hard surface and has the virus, and then you touch it and touch your mouth, nose or eyes you could get the virus. The virus itself is thought to be very delicate in its structure so regular disinfection of hard surfaces is thought to help control transmission. Regularly washing hands after you have been out in public where hard surfaces may not be regularly disinfected is important in preventing transmission.
The presence of COVID-19 in Minnesota
At this time, there is no evidence of the community-wide spread of COVID-19 in Minnesota. But, as with any virus outbreak, this could change rapidly. We encourage you to monitor the progress of any outbreaks from a reputable source such as the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
Standard precautions we all should take
- Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizers
- Cough and sneeze into the crook of your elbow, not your hands
- Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes and mouth
Do I need to reschedule my surgery or upcoming appointment?
If you have traveled to any of the countries that the CDC has designated LEVEL 3 zones within the last two weeks, please call us to reschedule your surgery or appointment. At this time, you should be under self-quarantine. These countries include China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea. As of yesterday, this now includes Europe, excluding the United Kingdom.
Visit this link for more information and learn about travel precautions: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/after-travel-precautions.html.
Although Edina Plastic Surgery is different than other medical clinics in that we don’t care for the chronically ill, it is advisable for those populations who are at a higher risk for contracting COVID-19 to avoid non-essential contact with large groups. This population includes older patients and those that suffer from serious chronic medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and lung disease. Learn more about high-risk populations here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html
Lastly, anyone who has a cough, fever, or shortness of breath should stay home, except to obtain medical care. This precaution goes for any illness when it comes to rescheduling your surgery or aesthetic appointment with us—being sick and surgery never mix. Any illness greatly influences your recovery from surgery, and symptoms such as coughing or sneezing can cause you to tear post-surgical sutures.
If you are sick, or become ill and suspect that you may be infected with COVID-19, follow the steps in this link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/steps-when-sick.html
If you have any questions or concerns about your upcoming appointment with us, please do not hesitate to call or text us at (952) 925-1765 or send us an email at info@edinaplasticsurgery.com. It is important to us that you feel safe, secure, and confident when under the care of our surgeons and staff and while under our roof.
At Edina Plastic Surgery, we believe in the importance of easing fear with reason and uncertainty with education. Although our medical center upholds the highest standards in cleanliness, sanitization, and disinfection, we see the opportunity that COVID-19 has prompted for us all to learn more about the importance of health and hygiene to limit the transmission of disease in the world. Let’s move forward together as we focus on facts over fear and treat each other with compassion, open hearts, and clean hands.
