Dear Valued Patient:
While the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is still evolving, we anticipate that patients may have questions. We want to share some of the precautionary measures The Greenbrier Clinic and The Greenbrier have implemented to ensure our valued patients have the same incredible experience and care that has always been provided at The Greenbrier Clinic.
The safety and health of our patients and staff is our number one priority. The Greenbrier Clinic, along with The Greenbrier resort, has put into place many policies over the past several weeks for the sole purpose of protecting our patients, guests and team members. As much as possible, we have taken a proactive approach during this uncertain time. Our leadership team continues to monitor and communicate with local, state and federal officials on this fluid situation, and continues to adjust as needed with policy changes from our national and state leaders. We are following guidelines established by the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health officials.
A few of the initiatives in place at The Greenbrier and The Greenbrier Clinic include:
• Most Greenbrier Clinic patients must only enter through one of two locations — the front clinic entrance or the 5th floor (West Virginia Wing) entrance. Handicap patients only will use the side handicap accessible entrance.
• During this time, no staff members, guests or patients should arrive at The Greenbrier Clinic or Greenbrier Care without an appointment. Walk-ins will not be allowed. Please understand this is for everyone’s safety, as we need to continue to adhere to the CDC recommendations and guidelines.
• Anyone visiting The Greenbrier Clinic, including staff members, will undergo a quick health screening prior to entrance to identify any potential concerns.
• Dedicated team members are in place to provide increased frequency of disinfecting common areas, including special attention to doorknobs, railings, elevator buttons and furniture.
• Additional hand sanitizer stations have been added in high-traffic areas.
• Facility-wide cleaning and sanitization processes have been added to our already high standards.
• Work travel has been temporarily restricted until further notice.
Together, we must all do our part to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19. The following recommendations have been made to aid in everyone’s protection:
• Wash your hands often using soap and warm/hot water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer which contains at least 60%-95% alcohol. Soap and water should be used preferentially if hands are visibly dirty.
• Use cough and sneeze etiquette.
• Avoid touching your face when possible.
• Avoid unnecessary travel.
• Seek medical attention and stay at home if ill.
• Routinely clean all frequently-touched surfaces.
• Avoid crowds larger than 10+ people.
• Elderly patients and patients with severe chronic conditions should take special precautions
Symptoms of COVID-19
• Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness. The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure:
o Fever
o Cough
o Shortness of Breath
How the Virus Spreads
• The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus.
• The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
• It is thought that the virus can spread within close proximity (less than 6 feet).
• The virus spreads through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
• These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
For more than 70 years, The Greenbrier Clinic has taken great pride in providing extraordinary care to our patients. At The Greenbrier and Greenbrier Clinic, our guests and patients are family, and it is our constant focus to make sure every experience lives up to our very high standards.
Sincerely,
Jill Justice, D.O.
President, The Greenbrier
Administrator, The Greenbrier Clinic