Get care safely during COVID-19
Upcoming doctor's appointment? Use these expert tips to keep yourself safe
Need in-person routine care this fall? Use this guide from Brandon Brown, Ph.D., an
epidemiologist at the University of California, Riverside, to stay safe and infection-free.
1. Schedule Smartly
Ask for a time when fewer people are at the doctor’s office, usually right when it opens. “Before you go, call the location to ensure it’s not crowded with patients,” Dr. Brown advises.
2. Plan (and Pay) Ahead
Paperwork and payment can often be completed before you arrive, so call the office ahead of your appointment to see if it’s an option.
3. Cover up
Wear a face covering throughout the appointment. If you need to remove it, first wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
4. Keep your distance
In the waiting room and when walking to and from the exam room, keep at least six feet of distance between you and other patients and staff.
5. Limit your touchpoints
“Be aware of any surfaces you may touch,” says Dr. Brown. “This includes any chairs, tabletops, and door handles.”
6. Lather up before you leave
Before leaving the office, wash your hands. If there is no sink, use a hand sanitizer until you are able to wash them.
7. Don't unmask just yet
“Keep your face covering on after leaving, and don’t remove it until you’re home,” stresses Dr. Brown. “Back at home, wash your hands, remove your covering, and then dispose of it or save it for cleaning. Finally, wash your hands one last time.”
