NYSCA Question of the week: Treating patients who have attended protests

A NYSCA member asks: A patient just called to make an appointment; however, they attended a protest a few days ago. Can I see them if they have not demonstrated Covid-19 symptoms?

The NYSCA responds:

Continue to follow the recommendations of the Centers of Disease Control, Department of Health and the Office of the Governor. According to the CDC, symptoms of COVID-19 may first appear up to two weeks after exposure. Some people with COVID-19 do not display any symptoms. On June 4, 2020, the following statement was distributed from the office of Governor Andrew Cuomo:

We are seeing thousands of New Yorkers exercising their right to peacefully protest — twenty thousand protesters in New York City, one thousand protesters on Long Island and more throughout the state. But we still need to remain vigilant about spreading the COVID virus. New York has expanded Coronavirus testing criteria to include all protesters who attended recent events. I encourage any individual who participated in a protest to get a test. Be responsible, wear a mask and get a test. There are 700 testing facilities throughout New York and anyone can go to coronavirus.health.ny.gov and find a testing site near you.

In view of the aforementioned, it is recommended to have your patient tested prior to seeing them. Continue to follow CDC guidelines including those for patients who have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19, and those patients who test positive. Remember: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Help stop the spread while you care for your patients at the most appropriate time and setting.

Members of the NYSCA Insurance Committee answer dozens of questions to assist of members. This information is also utilized to drive change with insurance carriers, workers’ compensation, no fault, and regulators.

With your input, we shall continue to drive change for our profession.