Click to Read New Covid Mask Policy

Heart and Vascular Institute of Wisconsin’s Latest COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Policy

15 Mar 2020 Newsroom

Updated September 26, 2022

CDC Update to COVID-19 Guidance

Recently, the CDC updated its COVID-19 guidance to help people better understand their risk of the virus and what actions to take if exposed or tested positive for COVID-19.

While COVID-19 continues to circulate globally, there are now many tools available to help us reduce its severity, along with significantly less risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death compared to earlier in the pandemic. As such, the CDC has dropped its universal masking guideline for healthcare workers after a long slowdown in COVID-19 hospitalizations and nursing home infections nationwide.

COVID-19 Policies for Patients and Employees

In support of the CDC’s latest update, Heart and Vascular Institute of Wisconsin is loosening our mask requirements to a “Mask Optional” policy for patients and employees who have tested negative and aren’t experiencing COVID symptoms.

For patients who HAVE tested positive or are experiencing symptoms, the following rules will apply:

  1. CDC rules still apply in that if you test positive for COVID you must stay home for 5 days and wear an N95 mask for 5 days when you return. Please have courtesy and DO NOT come to work or your appointment sick.
  2. Patients will still be asked questions regarding if they have tested positive for COVID in the past 5 days. If they have, we will reschedule their visit.
  3. Patients may request that the HVI provider or employee who is delivering their care wear a mask during their office visit, diagnostic test, or procedure.
  4. Masks will still be available free of charge at the front desk for any patient who needs or would prefer to use one.

Last but not least, remember that we still have vulnerable patients (and employees) at HVI every day. We strongly encourage any immunocompromised patients and those with high-risk health conditions to continue wearing a mask, and we are trusting that you will respect their decision to do so.

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ABOUT HEART AND VASCULAR INSTITUTE OF WISCONSIN
With roots in Appleton since 1968, the physicians and providers of the Heart and Vascular Institute of Wisconsin deliver compassionate care at six locations throughout eastern Wisconsin by using advanced and innovative technologies to provide patients with state-of-the-art treatments.

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What You Should Know About Coronavirus in Wisconsin

9 Mar 2020 Heart News

Updated March 28th – Updated the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Wisconsin and changed risk level.

As of March 28th, COVID is a serious threat in the state if Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Governor Tony Evers have declared a public health emergency in the state of Wisconsin. So far, there have been 935 confirmed cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in the state, along with 16 deaths.

The DHS has created a webpage dedicated to tracking the number of coronavirus cases in Wisconsin. Below, you can see the latest data as of March 27th, with the latest information updating each weekday at 2 p.m.

What does this mean for you?

With the threat of coronavirus growing in northeast Wisconsin, it’s extremely important that you’re taking the proper precautions to avoid contracting the illness.

Influenza and other respiratory viruses are common in Wisconsin this time of year, so you should be following the proper preventative measures to stay healthy regardless. This means:

  • Staying inside and avoiding contact with people
  • Avoiding large groups of people
  • Washing your hands frequently and using hand sanitizer
  • Avoiding hand-to-mouth contact
  • Covering your mouth with your elbow when you cough and sneeze
  • Not sharing food or drinks
  • Staying home when you are sick

If you plan to travel somewhere where the threat of the virus is higher, it’s important that you take further preventative measures – even going as far as cancelling all unnecessary travel plans for the time being. You can see the total number of coronavirus cases in each state by checking this up-to-date coronavirus map by the New York Times.

Heart and Vascular Institute of Wisconsin’s Coronavirus Stance

Heart and Vascular Institute of Wisconsin is closely monitoring the coronavirus outbreak to see what the best plan of action will be moving forward. This is a rapidly evolving situation and we promise to keep all of our patients updated as more information becomes available. At this time, we believe the threat in northeast Wisconsin is looming, but so far, we haven’t made any significant changes to our daily routine.

You can read our latest COVID-19 policy RIGHT HERE.

 

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