Samuel Grimm, M.D., FACOG
Kara Jefferies, M.D., FACOG
Shannon Cothran, M.D., FACOG
Laura Kiszkiel, M.D., FACOG
Leah Foster, M.D.
Meena Ego-Osuala, PA-C
Jenna Grimm, WHNP
Coronavirus Disease 2019
(COVID-19)
Covid-19 is an infectious respiratory disease caused by a new coronavirus that initially emerged in Wuhan Provence, China in December 2019. Reported illnesses range from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed cases. Most patients develop fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing. Symptoms typically appear 2-14 days after exposure. It is very important that people with even mild signs of illness (fever, cough, shortness of breath) stay home to prevent illness to others. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 and notify the dispatcher that you have symptoms of COVID-19.
Our office is working to keep our staff and patients safe. We are asking that all patients call us PRIOR to their appointment if they have symptoms of a respiratory infection. We are rescheduling non-essential visits for patients who are considered to be high risk. We have also implemented a policy of no visitors for appointments with the exception of pregnancy confirmation visits and 20 week ultrasound appointments. Any patient who presents with risk factors or symptoms of COVID 19 will be provided a mask and immediately removed from the waiting room. We are communicating with the hospital regularly about this rapidly evolving situation.
At this time, pregnant women are considered to be high risk for complications related to COVID-19. This is due to the knowledge that pregnant women infected with other viruses from the same family and from influenza have a higher risk of complications. However, a review of cases from China showed no increased risk of severe complications and no cases of transmission to the baby in pregnant women who were affected. This is very reassuring, but more information is still needed to truly determine the risk to pregnant women. Due to the lack of information currently, we are encouraging all pregnant women to telework if at all possible. A note will be provided for you to give to your employer.
INOVA Fairfax is also striving to protect patients and employees. As a result, they have implemented visitor restrictions. All patients on labor and delivery and postpartum will be limited to 1 support person/visitor for the entire duration of their stay. This visitor will be screened for symptoms upon arrival and will be given a wristband showing that they are a designated visitor. Visitors can not switch out or replace each other.
Reliable resources for your review:
www.vdh.virginia.gov/surveillance-and-investigation/novel-coronavirus/
This situation is rapidly evolving. We are committed to maintaining a safe environment for our patients and staff and will make appropriate changes to our office and hospital policies as needed.