covid-19 information and response

We are open and seeing patients! 

In response to the outbreak, Swedberg Eye Care is taking all precautions to ensure patient and staff safety.  

This is a rapidly evolving situation and we are adapting as we receive new information. 

• New clinic hours to better serve you:

                                 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 8 AM - 5 PM

• Elective Surgeries are now scheduling
• Now scheduling for eyelid surgery
• We have a large patient common area suitable for social distancing  that is sanitized on an hourly basis. 
• All patients and visitors entering the clinic are required to wear masks.
• Staff wear masks and gloves when direct patient contact is needed.
• Barriers for the front office. 
• All patient rooms are sanitized prior to each visit. 

Snohomish Testing Resources

List of Testing Sites

https://www.snohd.org/549/Additional-Testing-Resources

Sign up for testing:

https://www.snohd.org/503/Drive-Thru-Testing-Available-by-Appointm

Current COVID Information 

09/30/2020

CDC Guidelines 

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/public-health-recommendations.html

Person:

• Individual who has had close contact (< 6 feet)** for ≥15 minutes***

Exposure To:

•  Person with COVID-19 who has symptoms (in the period from 2 days before symptom onset until they meet criteria for discontinuing home isolation; can be laboratory-confirmed or a clinically compatible illness)
• Person who has tested positive for COVID-19 (laboratory confirmed) but has not had any symptoms (in the 2 days before the date of specimen collection until they meet criteria for discontinuing home isolation).

Note: This is irrespective of whether the person with COVID-19 or the contact was wearing a mask or whether the contact was wearing respiratory personal protective equipment (PPE)

 Recommended Precautions for the Public 

•  Stay home until 14 days after last exposure and maintain social distance (at least 6 feet) from others at all times
• Self-monitor for symptoms
  • Check temperature twice a day
  • Watch for fever*, cough, or shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19
• Avoid contact with people at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19
• Follow CDC guidance if symptoms develop

MIT Medical: When Should I Be Tested?

Source: https://medical.mit.edu/covid-19-updates/2020/07/when-should-i-be-tested

While early research on asymptomatic transmission has shown that some asymptomatic individuals will test positive two to three days before developing symptoms, we would definitely not expect a positive diagnostic test for COVID-19 one day after exposure.

The diagnostic test, known as a “PCR test,” works by detecting genetic material from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in the nose and upper throat. A study that examined false-negative rates post-exposure, found that during the four days of infection prior to symptom onset, the probability of a false negative on the PCR test went from 100 percent on Day 1 to 67 percent on Day 4. And even on the day individuals began showing symptoms, the false negative rate was still 38 percent, dropping to 20 percent three days after symptom onset. Of course, much depends on the sensitivity of the particular test being used. MIT Medical is using a test that has been shown to have a false-negative rate of less than 5 percent five days post exposure.

On average, symptoms of the virus develop five to six days post exposure, but the incubation period can be as long as 14 days. And, of course some people never develop noticeable or debilitating symptoms — hence the recommendation to self-quarantine and self-monitor for a full two weeks after any likely exposure.

All of this is why we’re not recommending that people make decisions about their activities or contacts based on the results of a negative test shortly after possible exposure. For example, it’s not a good idea to fly into Boston on a crowded flight, get a COVID-19 diagnostic test within a day or two of arrival, and then, based on a negative result, visit your elderly grandparents. The only thing that negative test can tell you is that, at that particular moment in time, your sample did not show viral levels high enough to be reliably measured. It does not mean you were not exposed and infected during your travels. It does not mean you were not exposed and infected after your arrival. Do you want to visit your grandparents after flying into Boston? Self quarantine for 14 days first.

On the other hand, if you get a positive test, you are almost certainly infected, because the false-positive rate is very low. But because a false negative is possible at any stage of infection, it’s important to get tested at the optimal time, when you are most likely to test positive if you are infected. Based on our current knowledge, that window would be approximately five to seven days after a probable exposure. 

If you have possible or confirmed COVID-19:

• Stay home except to get medical care.
• Monitor your symptoms carefully. If your symptoms get worse, call your healthcare provider immediately.
• Get rest and stay hydrated. Take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen, to help you feel better.
• If you have a medical appointment, notify your healthcare provider ahead of time that you have or may have COVID-19.
• Stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. If possible, use a separate bathroom. If you must be around others, wear a mask.