Greetings,

As we are sure you know, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has arrived in New York. The number of confirmed cases is almost certain to rise in our region over the next several weeks as verified testing becomes more available. At this time no physician offices have the ability to test for COVID-19. The test can only be done by NYS and CDC. With this in mind we would like to communicate to our community some curated facts as they are known at the moment to help educate and coordinate care.

Symptoms include:

• Mild upper respiratory symptoms
• Shortness of breath
• Fever
• Nasal congestion
• Cough

The overall risk of serious illness from COVID-19 is low. Those at greatest risk for this are our elderly and those with chronic medical conditions such as COPD, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Since the illness is predominantly spread between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezed, it is imperative that we all practice vigilant proper hygiene.

• Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Forgo shaking hands with people

If you are experiencing flu like symptoms, have shortness of breath, and have traveled to China, Italy, South Korea, Iran, or Japan in the last 14 days, or had close contact with someone proven to have the virus we ask that you please reschedule your appointment and present to the emergency room as soon as possible. If you are unable to do so please call 911 and warn them of your travel history and symptoms.

For the most current information in regard to COVID-19-Coronavirus please visit the CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ or call your local health department.

Yours in Health,

Hamilton Orthopaedics, Spine & Sports Medicine