Recent events in our country can be difficult to understand and explain to our children. For many people in America, this is not their first encounter with racism. However, the fact that so many people are speaking up about this systemic issue is something we can focus on with our kids. All families can help their children process the news by having open and honest conversations. As your child’s healthcare providers, we want to ensure you have the resources to cope with what is going on in the world, whether it be a cold, COVID 19 or traumatic events. We are here for you.
There are resources available that can help us navigate through these complicated waters. It is important we all remember to respect our friends, neighbors, co-workers, and fellow citizens with understanding and kindness. These resources provided by Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital:
- Resource Guide: Talking to Children About Race (PDF)
- Child Mind Institute – Racism and Violence: How to Help Kids Handle the News
- Child Mind Institute – Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus Crisis
- Helping Children Cope With Changes Resulting from COVID-19
- Understanding & Coping with Reactions in a Pandemic (PDF)
- Supporting Grieving Children and Teens During the COVID-19 Global Health Crisis (PDF)
- Stress Management and Teens
Physical Exams
We are starting to see more children in the office for their annual exams for June, July, and August. We believe it is vitally important to continue routine vaccinations to prevent the re-emergence of other potentially dangerous illnesses. Thank you to those parents who have brought in your children. Please schedule your exam as soon as possible. We will be modifying our schedule with children 4 and under being seen in the morning. Children 5 years of age and over will be seen in the afternoon. We ask that anyone 5 and older must wear masks. If your child is between 2 and 4 years old, they are welcome to wear a mask if they are cooperative. They are to be accompanied by one parent only. We are limiting the number of people in and out of our office for your safety. We will be closing at 5 pm and will not be have evening hours for the summer.
We want to assure you that we are taking precautions. Our providers and staff wear masks while in the office. Only one parent or guardian is permitted at the visit except for the following: Newborn weight checks, 2-week, 4-week, and 2-month physical exam appointments. We require that the parent(s) or guardian(s) wear a mask while in our building and in the exam rooms. We are insisting the parent not bring any other children including siblings or any other accompanying adults to the visits. In addition, our cleaning service is using EPA approved anti-virus and anti-bacterial cleaning products. They are very thorough and come daily to wipe down all surfaces.
We will be asking you the following screening questions prior to any visit: Have you recently or do you have a fever of 100.4 F or above, new cough, new shortness of breath, new sore throat, new chills, sudden loss of taste or smell, vomiting, or diarrhea? Have you had any recent COVID illness, recent positive COVID test, or exposure to a person who tested positive for COVID? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, PLEASE DO NOT COME TO THE OFFICE. You will be asked to reschedule your physical exam appointment.
Sick Visits
As of June 29th, we will have visits dedicated for unwell patients suffering from various ailments. These acute same-day visits will be seen in a separate section of our building formally used by the Allergy department. There is a staircase leading to a separate entrance in the back. You will go up the staircase, knock at the door and enter. Proceed to the waiting room if no one is there to greet you. Please let us know if anyone in your party is unable to use the stairs. We will make the necessary accommodations. As with all visits in the office, only one parent and no other family members, may accompany the patient. Please wear a mask or face covering.
Forms
We are getting requests for camp, daycare, school and college form completion. Please either fax or mail the forms to us. Once completed they will either be mailed or faxed back to you. Under no circumstances are you to come to the office to drop off any forms or to pick them up.
Summer Reminders
- The weather is finally warm and we are going outside. As a reminder, please apply the appropriate sunscreen to your child and infant over one month of age.
- Also remember those pesky bugs that can make our summer fun challenging. Apply the appropriate insect repellents against ticks and mosquitoes.
- Don’t forget about poison ivy. Become familiar on how these types of plants look.
Please refer to the CDC website for guidance on sunscreen, insect repellents, and harmful plants.
COVID-19 Testing & Procedures
IMPORTANT: We do not have COVID-19 testing available in the office. COVID-19 testing continues to be limited and is only permitted with a provider order. Questions regarding testing can be obtained by accessing CT State Hotline 2-1-1 or by the Yale Coronavirus Hotline at (203) 688-1700 (M-F, 7 am-7 pm) or by calling your local Health Department. Up-to-date coronavirus information can be found on the CDC website.
As we gradually re-open the state, please remember we are not done with COVID-19. Please continue to maintain social distancing, wear a mask when out of the home, wash your hands for 20 seconds, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
We are following the recommendations made by the AAP, the CDC, and the Executive Orders of the Governor. Things are changing constantly as we learn to modify our plans. Please continue to check our website for updates.