Health Alert

COVID-19 Update: Helping Keep You and Our Community Safe

At Manatee Physician Alliance, the safety of our patients, physicians, staff and community has always been and remains our top priority.

We continue to see patients in the office for acute and chronic conditions, as well as offer and encourage the use of a full range of virtual options to serve many of your healthcare needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

As the world continues to navigate the challenges presented by COVID-19, we realize that some people may have questions about seeing their doctor while seeking to address pressing health issues. Below are answers to frequently asked questions regarding the extraordinary measures we are taking during the COVID-19 pandemic to help keep patients, physicians, staff and the community safe.

Q: What steps have been taken to help ensure the ongoing health and safety of patients, physicians, staff, and the community?

In light of COVID-19, we are following the guidelines of the State Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and our local Infection Control and Prevention Team. We have implemented extra precautionary measures and additional protocols to help ensure a safe and clean environment for our patients, physicians, staff and community. These include, but are not limited to:

• Appointments scheduled to best avoid crowded lobbies and waiting rooms
• Pre-screening and on-site testing for COVID-19 before visit (testing, screening questions, etc.)
  • Anyone with symptoms will be evaluated in a safe, dedicated area
• Social distancing measures in common areas
• Mandatory mask policies for staff, patients, visitors and providers
• Limited visitation
• Rigorous cleaning and disinfection of waiting rooms, exam rooms (between each patient), lobbies and restrooms, including frequently touched surfaces
• Hand sanitization: We clean our hands before and after we see you. You should clean yours when you enter and exit our building.

We are actively monitoring and responding to all recommendations made by the CDC and our local Health Authority.

Q: What does limited visitation mean?

Consistent with city and county efforts around social distancing to limit the exposure to individuals who may have contracted COVID-19, but are at that time asymptomatic, we ask that patients present to in-person appointments by themselves. If you require a support person to be present at your visit, we will be allowing ONE visitor per patient, and NO children.

Again, this temporary policy is in force to help keep everyone safe.

Q: What should a person expect upon arrival?

Individuals will be prohibited from entering the facility if they:

• • Have been in contact within the last 14 days with a person suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19
  • Have had a cough or flu-like symptoms, including sore throat, headache, muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal pain, or loss of taste or smell in the last 24 hours
  • Felt feverish or experienced chills in the last 48 hours
  • Had a fever of 100°F or greater in the last 48 hours

Anyone suspected with or confirmed positive for COVID-19 will be separated and isolated.

These steps will help prohibit people with symptoms or risk factors from entering our facilities.

Q: What is the clinic doing to help ensure appropriate social distancing?

Common areas and furniture have been rearranged to facilitate social distancing. Everyone is asked to adhere to social distancing etiquette.

Q: Is it safe to go to the Emergency Department if experiencing a medical emergency?

Yes, seeking critical emergency care can be life-saving, therefore do not delay in seeking critical medical care. If a person experiences symptoms such as chest pain, numbness, difficulty breathing or mental confusion or has serious medical injuries, they (or someone else if present) must call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest Emergency Room — it could save a life.

Thank you for entrusting your care to us. When you or your loved ones need services, know that we are here … safe, trusted and ready to deliver a superior healthcare experience.

Prevention

The CDC recommends individuals and families follow everyday preventive measures including:

• Social distancing – avoiding crowds and crowded spaces, avoiding handshaking and hugging, deliberately staying at least six feet away from other people, and replacing in-person visits with remote check-ins using technology.
• Wearing a mask while indoors, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60–95% alcohol.
• Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces and objects.
• Stay home and away from others when you are sick with any respiratory disease symptoms.

If you need help deciding if you should seek medical care, access the CDC Coronavirus Self-Checker on the CDC COVID-19 Symptoms page by clicking on the Coronavirus Self-Checker button at the top of the page.

Get the latest information and updates regarding COVID-19 →

Thank you for your cooperation and for being an advocate for the health and care of your loved ones and all patients.