Office Safety Protocol Update Broadcast
Our Clinical Team has reviewed the latest CDC guidance and evaluated staff, patient, and community health and safety concerns before making adjustments to our Office Safety Protocol. Beginning Thursday, June 3rd, we are updating our Office Safety Protocol to better individualize your care while in the exam room. Updated policies include the following:
- We will continue with our Car Waiting Room check-in process.
- Masks must continue to be worn by all patients when in the office, regardless of vaccination status. Common areas, such as the lobby during check in and check out, present a mixed traffic zone where vaccinated and unvaccinated patients may interact. In order to minimize risk of transmission, masking in these areas will continue to be required for all patients.
- Once a patient has been brought to the Exam Room, they will be advised on whether they can remove their mask. The Exam Room experience will be individualized to each patient based on vaccination status, symptoms, and the determination of your Clinical Team. Upon leaving the Exam Room, all patients will be required to wear their mask during check out and while leaving the office.
- Patients with any symptoms found on our COVID Advisory must remain masked during the entirety of their office visit, regardless of vaccination status. We have adapted the screening questionnaire based on local, national and international guidelines to balance patient safety and mitigate transmission risk. Patients who screen positive will be contacted to review their visit options, which may require a TeleHealth Visit or COVID Rapid Testing before in-office visit.
- Unvaccinated patients are required to wear masks throughout their visit and may not remove their mask unless directed by our staff. Southwest Orlando Family Medicine will be verifying vaccination status according to the Florida Shots database. Patients who receive their COVID-19 vaccine out of state will be required to produce proof of vaccination from the state registry where their vaccine was administered. Paper cards are not sufficient documentation. Click here for access to state registry information.
- SWOFM staff continues to follow internal office safety guidelines on mask usage. If you see personnel without a mask at their workstation or in general areas, be assured that they are following safety guidelines as a vaccinated individual. All unvaccinated staff will remain masked at all times. Please note that some office staff may choose to continue wearing a mask after vaccination, which we respect and support.
We are still working diligently to keep you safe when visiting our offices. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue to update our policies and care for our community. Thank you for entrusting us with keeping you and your loved ones healthy and safe.
Additional Patient Resources
Pandemic Mindfulness: Learn the importance of reflecting, resting and relaxing.
COVID-19 Vaccine Blog: Learn about vaccine safety, eligibility, benefits and more.
COVID-19 FAQ Blog: We answer your common questions about the virus and vaccines.
Do Masks Really Work: Our comprehensive resource guide on mask use.