• COVID-19 primarily spreads via respiratory droplets produced when an infected individual coughs or sneezes and then is inhaled by another. This is the MAIN means of transmission.
• Surfaces or objects touched can be a vehicle for transmission when you touch the object/surface and then touch your mouth, nose or eyelids. This is a secondary means of transmission.

Not so fun facts:              

1. An uncovered cough or sneeze can propel droplets several feet, smaller droplets can travel over 20 feet. These can be directly inhaled or land on surfaces to be touched.
2. A flushed toilet can aerosolize the virus in a plume that can spread over 6 feet. Before flushing, close the lid. When possible, avoid public restrooms.
3. The COVID-19 virus is relatively easily transmitted from person to person (at least 2-2.5x more likely to infect another than the flu)

Public health concerns are primarily 2-fold

1. The first is to slow the rate of infection to prevent available medical resources from being overwhelmed.
2. And to protect vulnerable populations like the elderly and those with chronic underlying health issues.

• Don’t panic. For most people this illness will be a cold like illness.
• However, if you are feeling ill with worsening symptoms and/or shortness of breath, please schedule an appointment for us to evaluate you.
• Be kind and considerate in order to limit the spread of the virus to protect the vulnerable. You have no doubt heard the term “social distancing”. This simply means to live your life quietly and peaceably at home. Avoiding events and larger social gatherings reduces the probability of the virus jumping to multiple hosts.
• If you are in contact with someone who is known to be infected, there is an up to 14-day incubation period in which you may develop symptoms. Unfortunately, you may begin to spread the virus.
• BE VIGILANT
  1. With frequent handwashing (soap and water preferred to hand sanitizer)
  2. Avoid touching your face with your hands
  3. If you have symptoms of fever, cough, runny nose that feel like a cold…STAY HOME. There is no specific treatment for this virus. However, if you begin to have shortness of breath or worsening symptoms then you need to be seen.

We will continue to be available for all our patients.

In response to the expected increase in coronavirus cases, and to try and prevent unnecessary exposure risk, IF you are seeing us for shortness of breath, and/or fever, please park and then text our main number 804-897-6140 on arrival to let us know you have arrived. We will have someone meet you at your car and escort you to the exam room. We will provide you with a mask to wear during your stay. Please do NOT bring small children with you as we will not be able to have them come into the office with you.

Rest assured, we are enhancing our cleaning and sanitizing strategies in the office.

We are currently testing COVID with both rapid antigen and PCR tests.

Test results are provided to the Virginia Health Department who may reach out to identify close contacts and at risk individuals that should self-quarantine.

1. OUR “OUTDOOR CLINIC” 
   • Call 804-897-6140 to schedule your appointment. We will make sure to get your current insurance information, car make and model. On arrival please text that you have arrived. Our staff will come to you!
   • You do not have to be a current patient of Rockwell Physicians to register for testing
2. WHO SHOULD BE TESTED?
   • Someone experiencing any of the following symptoms:
     • Fever
     • Shortness of breath
     • Cough
   • A healthcare employee
   • Someone who has a known exposure to the virus
3. COST
   • If a patient has insurance, the insurance company is billed for a visit and Covid-19 swab.
   • Self- pay patients will pay a flat rate of $65 , which INCLUDES testing

Rockwell Physicians is offering COVID Antibody IgG Testing!

This blood draw measures antibody levels specific to the patient’s immune response after COVID-19 infection.

Some things to keep in mind:

1. The antibody testing is not used to diagnose acute COVID-19 infections. We are still using the nasal swabs to test if there are acute symptoms.
2. According to the CDC website, “A serologic test may not be able to show if you have a current infection, because it can take 1-3 weeks to make antibodies after symptoms occur. We do not know yet if having antibodies to the virus can protect someone from getting infected with the virus again, or how long that protection might last.”
3. Testing turn around time – 3 days
4. Some insurances are not covering this test.