Coronavirus Information Sheet

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading source=”post_title” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]The posts on this page appear in reverse chronological order (that is, the newest content is atop and the oldest at page bottom). We will make important posts for you and your family here and on Facebook.[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]From keeping COVID positive people OUTSIDE the building to how we handle well vistors and sick visitors, you can get it all here.

At Chapin Pediatrics our goal is to provide exemplary medical care for your child. And you can CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW to read this brief post to learn the key steps we are taking to keep you, your children, and your entire family safe.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Read the brief post that conveys our steps for your safety.” style=”3d” color=”blue” size=”lg” align=”center” i_icon_fontawesome=”” css_animation=”fadeInUp” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fchapinpediatrics.com%2Fcovid-update-september-22-2020%2F|title:COVID%20Update%20%E2%80%93%20September%2022%2C%202020″][vc_separator color=”blue” style=”dashed” border_width=”5″ css_animation=”slideInLeft”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Here is some COVID-19 testing awareness for you; we will keep you FULLY aware of all testing measures we can provide for your loved ones.

Some of you are you are asking about a rapid COVID-19 test that other practices are offering. Those tests that are being run with quick results are an antibody test that will show that you had the infection in the past since it takes many days to develop antibodies. We do not feel like an antibody test will be useful to test patients for disease in our type of medical practice. Of course an antibody test has its place in other areas of healthcare but again we do not feel it has its place in how we can serve you.. We are awaiting an antigen test to come out that will tell us that the patient is actively infected. Anyway, that might be too much information but wanted to put it out there for those of you who are curious. Hang in there. And as always, call us if you need us.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Read the FaceBook post about COVID-19 Antibody testing.” style=”3d” color=”blue” size=”lg” align=”center” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-facebook-square” css_animation=”fadeInUp” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fchapinpediatrics%2Fphotos%2Fa.10152174607171382%2F10158258665451382%2F%3Ftype%3D3%26theater|||”][vc_separator color=”blue” style=”dashed” border_width=”5″ css_animation=”slideInLeft”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Some gifts possess an especially precious value.

Many months ago a boy had a ladybug in his possession as I walked into the exam room to see him. I admired the ladybug and told him how cool it was. He held on to it proudly during the exam even pretending a few times that the lady bug was walking down the exam table. I finished up the exam and as we were exchanging goodbyes he held the lady bug up towards me. I’m accustomed to doing exams on stuffed animals, transformers, and Barbies. Furthermore as I say goodbye to the children I usually offer the same pleasantries to their possessions. This day was no different and I said goodbye to the outstretched ladybug. “Dr Bonnett, I want you to have my lady bug”. My eyes got moist as I processed this child’s kindness to me. My first inclination was to say “no, you keep it”. However, I have been taught through the years not to stiff-arm someone’s generosity. My love language is acts of service often as the giving of gifts. Many times I have heard, “Luke, let others serve you, when someone tries to do something for you or give you something, let them. How would you feel if people did not accept you serving them or giving them something?” So, I gratefully accepted the ladybug. She sits in my windowsill along with some other gifts that warm my heart. On gloomy days she catches my eye and I stare. I stare at her and reflect on the moment she came into my possession. I consider the preciousness of the moment and what must have gone through his mind as he decided he would gift her to me.

This past week the giver of the ladybug came in for an appointment. As we finished up the exam and exited the room he asked “how’s the ladybug doing”? I turned and pointed her out as she was resting on the sunlit windowsill. His eyes lit up and his face beamed as bright as any ray of sun. He proudly turned and walked away. As he rounded the corner he proclaimed, “Dr Bonnett I hope you have a good week”. He doesn’t know the stress I’m under. He doesn’t know how difficult the past week has been and how difficult the days ahead are going to be. However, he does know I’m taking good care of the ladybug and to him that is enough.

I’ve been considering often lately the ladybugs in my life. I have been given much, entrusted with much. I pray the Lord finds me faithful in all He has called me to do. That He finds me faithful taking care of all the ladybugs that really are reminders of His grace towards me.

Hang in there y’all. Remember your ladybugs.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Read the April 4th post by Dr. Bonnett about a boy and his ladybug” style=”3d” color=”blue” size=”lg” align=”center” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-facebook-square” css_animation=”fadeInUp” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fchapinpediatrics%2Fposts%2F10158221044571382|||”][vc_separator color=”blue” style=”dashed” border_width=”5″ css_animation=”slideInLeft”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Dr. Bonnett posted to make us all aware that we do have an enclosed COVID tent on-site and to offer a sense of protocols and processes. And he finished with the warm invitation to all: “As always, call us if you need us.”

I hope y’all are hanging in there. These are truly unprecedented times. I wanted you to know we have an enclosed “COVID” tent on-sight to allow us to properly care for any patient of concern and do appropriate testing. Those high concern patients will not be allowed to enter the office as an extreme measure of caution. We have a streamlined process to provide the care you have come to expect from us. We continue to do rigorous screening at time of appointment scheduling and when patients check in. Appointments that were made in advance, like Well visits and ADHD follow ups are also being screened the day before arriving. We hope this offers you greater peace of mind should you need to come in to the office for Well visits or “normal” risk sick visits. We are fortunate to have all proper PPE to protect our staff who care for patients in our COVID concern area. Thus far all of the patients we have tested have all been negative. We have telemedicine capabilities but as a practice have deemed that not necessary at this point. We will activate that should the need arise. Our office remains fully staffed and committed to serving you. The staff who serve you are spectacular. I couldn’t be more proud of how they have adjusted to the challenges we are facing. We will get through this together. Please limit your exposures. You know the right thing to do so do it. As always, call us if you need us.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”On April 1st, Dr. Bonnett posted about our having a COVID tent on-site” style=”3d” color=”blue” size=”lg” align=”center” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-facebook-square” css_animation=”fadeInUp” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fchapinpediatrics%2Fphotos%2Fa.10152174607171382%2F10158210288091382%2F%3Ftype%3D3%26theater|||”][vc_separator color=”blue” style=”dashed” border_width=”5″ css_animation=”slideInLeft”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Dr. Luke Bonnett posted a text he received this morning from a friend – and he tethered some of his own thoughts to the text … you can view content from that post below:

I just received a text from a dear friend that I would like to share with you.

“Thanked our God for you this morning and prayed for God’s protection for you, your family and staff. And that God would continue to give you Wisdom and discernment as you lead your family and practice.

Stay strong brother and keep your eyes on Him.

[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”You can locate the March 23rd Facebook post here.” style=”3d” color=”blue” size=”lg” align=”center” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-facebook-square” css_animation=”fadeInUp” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fchapinpediatrics%2Fposts%2F10158173036351382|||”][vc_separator color=”blue” style=”dashed” border_width=”5″ css_animation=”slideInLeft”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Dr. Luke Bonnett shared a CRITICAL plea from Dr. Andrew Price who serves as Assistant Professor of Neurology and Neurocritical Care at USC – BOTH Dr. Bonnett’s words AND Dr. Price’s words appear below:

Dr. Bonnett’s words …
Dang it y’all……seriously. If you have masks drop them by the office and I will get them to PRISMA. Your decision to hoard masks can negatively affect many lives. You don’t need them anyway because you should be at home. PLEASE. This is an urgent appeal. Also if you have any of the NIOSH approved respirators or filters listed below please drop them off at the office and let me or staff know if you want me to buy you a new one when everything settles down. Thank you.

Dr. Price’s words:
[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”You can see the Facebook post from March 21st here.” style=”3d” color=”blue” size=”lg” align=”center” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-facebook-square” css_animation=”fadeInUp” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fchapinpediatrics%2Fposts%2F10158166135546382|||”][vc_separator color=”blue” style=”dashed” border_width=”5″ css_animation=”slideInLeft”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Dr. Luke Bonnett posted AN IMPORTANT ARTICLE LINK from the WHO related to Ibuprofen and titled “WHO Now Officially Recommends to Avoid Taking Ibuprofen For COVID-19 Symptoms” … the full content from our Facebook post AND the WHO article link appear below:

There is some data suggesting to avoid Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) with COVID-19. It would be wise for now, until there is more information, to use Acetaminophen to manage fevers. We will continue to monitor this specific concern and all facets of COVID-19.

https://www.sciencealert.com/who-recommends-to-avoid-taking-ibuprofen-for-covid-19-symptoms[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”You can see the Facebook post from the early morning of March 18th here.” style=”3d” color=”blue” size=”lg” align=”center” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-facebook-square” css_animation=”fadeInUp” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fchapinpediatrics%2Fposts%2F10158153329656382|||”][vc_separator color=”blue” style=”dashed” border_width=”5″ css_animation=”slideInLeft”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] The following is content Dr. Luke Bonnett posted on Facebook late on March 17th – and his keen words invite and encourage us to live precisely and simply as Jesus expressed (and to do so with sensitivity and compassion to business owners in our various communities):

We are in stressful times. There are so many additional stressors besides health concerns. For the folks in Chapin, Little Mountain, Prosperity,……..and all the other little places in between and around please pay attention. Our communities matter. Our relationships matter. Our small businesses and now especially restaurants are tremendously impacted by decisions designed to protect our health. This hits home for me. Being the son of a printer, a small business owner, I grew up with a keen understanding of relationships with customers. I also learned to understand seasons in life when there was plenty and when there was want. I saw sacrifices made that many would not understand unless they experienced it firsthand. People have choices where to spend their money. We all like convenience and a good deal. I’ve heard all my life “I would rather spend a little more at a place where I know my business is truly appreciated”. The point I’m trying to make is your choices in the days ahead really matter. I encourage you to have intentionality where you shop, where you purchase food, where you spend your money. Your choices may find you spending a little more money or costing you a little more time. It will be well invested in the lives of your community. It makes a difference. It really does. Jesus summed up a bunch of important stuff by saying “love your neighbor as yourself”. I’m learning a lot during these stressful times. I’m paying closer attention to my community, to my people. I’m remembering life as a child that saw that relationships mattered. Please be encouraged to make choices that will make a difference in your neighbors’ lives.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”You can see the Facebook post from March 17th here.” style=”3d” color=”blue” size=”lg” align=”center” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-facebook-square” css_animation=”fadeInUp” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fchapinpediatrics%2Fposts%2F10158151926926382|||”][vc_separator color=”blue” style=”dashed” border_width=”5″ css_animation=”slideInLeft”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] The following is CRITICAL OFFICE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES DURING THE NEXT FEW WEEKS that we posted on Facebook on March 16th at 3:03 PM – and that post read as follows:

Here is some helpful information regarding our office policies and procedures for the next few weeks.

The COVID-19 concerns are affecting us all. Please be assured we are here for you during this stressful time. We consider it a privilege to serve you and our community. We are instituting some changes to provide the best care possible. For this to work we need and expect your cooperation. Thank you for your patience in the days ahead.

Beginning Tuesday, March 17, we will be instituting the following changes.

● Our waiting rooms will only be for Well Visits. You know if your child is sick with symptoms. Please be respectful of others who will come in our office and the well-being of our community as a whole.

● We have implemented a screening process to serve you more efficiently when you arrive at the office. If your child meets certain criteria you will call us when you arrive in the parking lot. You will remain in your car until we are prepared to bring your child in. We will call you when we are ready to meet you at the side door.

● We will have a staff member greet sick patients at the side door and direct you to your room.

● Our main front entrance will be devoted to patients and/or family members who have NO illness, and the right side of the building door will be the entrance for our patients and/or family
members who have ANY illness. You will exit the same door you came in. THIS IS MANDATORY. If your child is not well, repeat….is sick at all, please do not use the front door. PLEASE RESPECT OUR ATTEMPTS TO PROTECT OTHERS.

● REPEAT: Front door entrance will be for people who have NO fever, cough, head cold symptoms. It will only be for well visits, ADHD, or injuries. No infectious symptoms should come
through our front door.

● We are asking that whenever possible only bring the child being seen. No siblings please. DO NOT BRING A SICK CHILD WITH YOU TO A WELL APPOINTMENT. WE WILL HAVE TO RESCHEDULE THE WELL APPOINTMENT. WE WILL NOT ADD ON EXTRA APPOINTMENTS WHEN YOU ARRIVE TO OFFICE. ABSOLUTELY NO WALK IN
APPOINTMENTS.

● For all visits, please limit the number of accompanying caregivers to 1 individual. If it is an appointment for a newborn or 2 week well check we definitely understand an extra caregiver is warranted.

● All well visits, non-infectious concerns, and injuries will be seen in the morning.

● All sick visits will be seen late morning and afternoon.

● We will have designated well exam rooms, including designated “baby visit only” rooms.

● All patients or family members who have FEVER OR COUGH will be required to wear a face mask from the time they enter the building until the time they leave the building.

● We ask that you bring your own mask, if you have one. If you do not have one, then please try to bring an article of clothing that you can put over the mouth or nose.

● If you cannot bring your own mask or tissue/cloth we will supply you with one. PLEASE keep in mind we have a limited number of masks and it will be difficult for us to replenish our supply given the worldwide shortage of personal protective equipment.

● If your child has a history of asthma or wheezing and has an albuterol inhaler and is being seen for respiratory issues, we ask that you bring their inhaler and spacer device.

● The CDC considers any provider-patient encounter to have a low risk of spreading COVID-19 if both people are wearing a simple face mask – this means that by wearing masks at the office, it reduces the likelihood that we will require quarantine if we come in contact with a case of COVID-19. This is obviously an important step that we must take to stay open so we can continue to serve you and your families.

● There are additional patient contact precautions that we need to take if your child requires any specimen collection or treatment, so please do not be alarmed by the PPE (personal protective equipment) that we must wear in order to give you appropriate care.

● We will not allow any of our employees to work while they show any signs of illness.

Thank you so much for your cooperation and patience with us during this time. All of these changes will ensure that we continue to comply with the CDC’s recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We feel very strongly that even though we have some nearby community spread of COVID-19 your family’s health care should not suffer. We will continue to provide all the important well visit care that your children deserve until we feel there is an increased risk to the community.

Thank you for trusting us with your child’s care. We have never taken that lightly. We are dedicated to continuing to provide you with the highest quality care that your family needs. Call us if you need us.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”You can see the Facebook post from March 16th at 3:03 PM here.” style=”3d” color=”blue” size=”lg” align=”center” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-facebook-square” css_animation=”fadeInUp” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fchapinpediatrics%2Fposts%2F10158147647646382%3F__tn__%3DK-R|||”][vc_separator color=”blue” style=”dashed” border_width=”5″ css_animation=”slideInLeft”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] The following is content posted by our own Dr. Luke Bonnett on March 10th at 8:23 AM – and the post includes TWO helpful links:

Good morning! If you are concerned that your child is sick enough to need medical care then please call to have them seen. Please keep in mind that for most people the coronavirus will be like any other virus. The symptoms can be very similar to a common cold or the flu.

You would want your child seen like any other time you were concerned that your child looked sick. Those concerns are typically an ill appearing child, shortness of breath, concerns for dehydration, etc.

You know your child and therefore you would be the better judge of how concerning their symptoms are and if they need medical care. Helpful resources are the CDC website and the South Carolina DHEC website. Call us if you need us.

[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”You can see the Facebook post from March 10th at 8:23 AM here.” style=”3d” color=”blue” size=”lg” align=”center” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-facebook-square” css_animation=”fadeInUp” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fchapinpediatrics%2Fposts%2F10158126994166382|||”][vc_separator color=”blue” style=”dashed” border_width=”5″ css_animation=”slideInLeft”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The following is content posted by our own Dr. Luke Bonnett on January 26th – and the post includes a link to a specific page within the CDC web site:

Here is a link to helpful information about the new 2019-nCoV coronavirus everyone is talking about.  In general a coronavirus typically causes common cold symptoms with runny nose, nasal congestion, headache, cough, sore throat, and possibly fever. Coronaviruses can sometimes cause lower-respiratory tract illnesses, such as viral pneumonia or bronchitis. This is more common in people with cardiopulmonary disease, people with weakened immune systems, infants, and older adults. Coronaviruses are viruses, not bacteria and therefore antibiotics will not help in the treatment of the illness.

[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”You can see the Facebook post from January 26th here.” style=”3d” color=”blue” size=”lg” align=”center” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-facebook-square” css_animation=”fadeInUp” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fchapinpediatrics%2Fposts%2F10157985916406382|||”][/vc_column][/vc_row]