This May Save A Life

                                                                     JULY, 2020

                

Yesterday, I went to a doctor’s office to be tested for COVID 19. Instead of a test, I may have gotten a lethal dose of the corona virus. I write this law letter to help you avoid a similar fate. First, some important tips:

Before choosing a health care provider, look for the following:

1.  Can you fill out all check-in and payment documents    online?

2.  Do those forms ask about your exposure to COVID 19?    Do they ask whether other persons who live with you have been exposed to the virus?

3.  Does the clinic require you to wear a mask?

Once you arrive at the office, look for the following:

1.    Can you wait in the car until the doctor is ready to see you?

2.    Before you go into the office, does a gloved, masked staff member come to your car to take your temperature as well as that of other persons in your car?

3.    Does the staff member escort you into the office, opening the door for you?

4.    Are you provided a hand sanitizer to use upon entering the office?

5.    Are there social distancing markers inside the office?

I work for several dental clinics in North Carolina.  They all carry out these safety measures, among others.  The medical clinic I went to yesterday followed none of these  recommendations.  This is what happened to me:

Having filled in the online forms, I drove to the office.  I put on my mask and gloves before entering the closet-sized reception area.

 

A masked lady, who was not wearing gloves, greeted me and gave me another set of forms to fill out. As she was talking to me, another patient arrived. He stood a few inches behind me.  He was muscular and over six feet tall. He was blocking my exit. The receptionist said nothing.  I grabbed the paperwork and squeezed past him to get out of the office.  No social distancing at this place! 

I had already answered most of the questions online. Standing up and writing with gloves on is hard, so I sat on the bench outside the office.  When I finished, I returned to the office and gave the forms to the receptionist. 

While I stood outside, a couple arrived.  The man went in and began arguing with the receptionist. He was not wearing a mask.  The lady, wearing beach clothes, sat on the bench.

The receptionist, again with no gloves, opened the door and came outside with the man where the argument continued.  The receptionist repeatedly told the lady, “Your test came back positive! You can’t go to work!” 

I realized then that I was the only person entering or leaving that office who had worn gloves.  The infected patient, and probably many others like her, had also sat on the same bench where I had sat.  The office door handle and the bench were likely covered in corona virus germs.  No telling what I would find inside the office.

By this time, having waited 20 minutes, I left.

 

Be careful out there.  As for me, I’m making sure my affairs are in order.  I’ve already paid for my funeral and have a hazmat suit in case I ever have to go outside again.

Patrice Walker