​​​covid-19 AND IMPERIAL HEALTH'S RESPONSE

Imperial Physical Therapy

Therapy and Rehabilitation Clinic

Disclaimer:  Due to the rapidly changing situation, the information below may not be complete, accurate, and/or may have changed without notice.  Please see List of Resources below for more information.

What has our practice done to make your appointments as safe as possible?

• Cleaning and disinfecting regularly. We have intensified our cleaning and disinfecting procedures of frequently touched surfaces, exercise machines and equipment.
• Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).  Our staff and patients are required to wear PPE throughout your treatment.
• Altering our scheduling and physical spacing within the clinic.  We are actively maintaining appropriate clinic volume regarding staff and patient schedules, while also moving office furniture and exercise equipment to allow for easier social distancing.
• Following Social Distancing practices.  We are conscious of patient spacing within our clinic whether they are exercising on a treatment table, riding a stationary bicycle or performing exercises in the "gym" area.
• Requiring our patients and staff use hand sanitizer and/or wash their hands:

                   *  Before each treatment,

                   *  After handling paperwork and/or touching any surfaces and/or therapy equipment, and

                   *  Upon leaving our facility.

• Placing signage throughout clinic.  We have placed educational signage in high-traffice areas to enhance patient awareness to infection control, social distancing and hand washing.
• Educating our staff about COVID-19. We regularly share with our staff information from trusted sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA).
• Installing plexiglass shields at reception desk.  We have installed "germ shields" at our reception desk and other areas where social distancing is physically unreasonable.
• Enhancing staff and patient screening methods.  We are now using handheld, digital forehead thermometers to take staff and patient temperatures on a daily and per session basis. 

COVID-19 Q&A

If I have shortness of breath, a cough, or a recent fever, should I come in for my regularly scheduled therapy session?

• No, stay home if you are experiencing a cough, fever or shortness of breath. Please notify your primary care physician as soon as possible.  Any cancellation fee will be waived if you are unable to contact us within 24 hours of your scheduled appointment with us.

• If you have had a fever, please wait 48-hours from the time your fever ended to attend a therapy treatment session at our office.

What should I do if I think I am sick?

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Stay home
• Avoid public areas and public transportation
• Practice social distancing
• Limit contact with pets & animals
• Call ahead before visiting your doctor
• Wear a facemask
• Cover your coughs & sneezes
• Clean your hands often
• Avoid sharing personal household items
• Clean all high-touch surfaces
• Monitor your symptoms

What can I do to protect myself and my family?

1. Cover your coughs and sneezes - Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
2. Clean your hands often - Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
   
3. Avoid even personal contact - Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
4. Avoid sharing personal household items - You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home. After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.
5. Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday - High touch surfaces include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables.