COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Facts

At Neighborhood Healthcare, we are fully prepared to handle any infectious diseases that may be in the community. Patients should feel confident making and keeping their appointments and utilizing our services as usual.

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March 11, 2020 Update

All community meetings and events hosted at any of our locations are canceled indefinitely. This is per California governor’s order to cancel all gatherings of at-risk people. This includes, but is not limited to, senior groups, AA, healthy living, and Smart.

We are asking patients to avoid bringing family members or extra people to their appointments to limit risks to patients, staff and the public.

March 11, 2020 Update @3:45PM PDT 

Who is being tested?

Patients presenting symptoms including fever, respiratory symptoms, and exposure through travel or contact as well as a test negative for influenza may be tested at their health care provider’s request.

We ask that patients stay outside and call or ring the bell so they can be triaged and tested without exposing patients or staff.

Will we continue to see patients?

Yes, we are continuing to see patients at all of our locations. As it may become necessary, we will establish treatment and wellness sites to minimize exposure.

We are actively testing options for patient visits to be completed by telephone when possible.

How is this virus transmitted? 

The virus is considered airborne at this time.

What are we doing to protect our health care workers?

We are requiring “social distancing” for all of our health care workers.

Social distancing means remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible.

For up-to-date information please contact the County Public Health Department at:

San Diego County Health & Human Services Agency

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

If you have general questions about coronavirus disease, call 2-1-1 to speak to someone.

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What is the coronavirus or COVID-19?

Coronavirus is one of the viruses that cause the common cold. All of us have had a version of the coronavirus at some time in our life.

What can I do to protect myself and my family from COVID-19?

1. 1. Wash your hand and use hand gel- a lot.
   2. Keep alert for people with risk factors.
   3. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
   4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
   5. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
   6. Don’t travel if you don’t have to.
   7. Wear a mask if you’re sick.
   8. Take what you see on Twitter or Facebook with a huge grain of salt.
   9. Live your life!

What do I do if I feel concerned about exposure?

We have signage and phone advice for people presenting or calling concerned about this. Since foreign nationals’ entry into the US had been restricted since Feb 2, we are not seeing much in the way of risky people entering. Check the CDC website for a current list of high-risk countries with outbreaks.

1. Call ahead and we will meet you outside for your appointment or
2. Ring the bell and our staff will meet you outside

Here are some tips if you suspect exposure

1. Stay at home unless you are very ill to the point you think you need to be in the hospital because of respiratory distress or other reasons
2. If you become sicker you should call your local hospital ahead of time, then go to the ER
3. If you call 911 to advise them of your symptoms and travel history

What are the symptoms?

Patients who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 infection have reported mild to severe respiratory illness, similar to the common cold with symptoms of:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

For up-to-date information please contact the County Public Health Department at:
San Diego County Health & Human Services Agency
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

If you have general questions about coronavirus disease, call 2-1-1 to speak to someone.