Veterinary practices deemed “essential” as per Miami Dade County mandate
From the desk of your president . . .
On Thursday, March 19th, Mayor Carlos Gimenez ordered that all beaches, parks and “non-essential” commercial and retail businesses close due to the coronavirus outbreak. This mandate was enacted to minimize the continued spread of the COVID-19 virus throughout Miami Dade County.
The original county directive did not include veterinary practices as “essential businesses.” However, thanks to the quick intervention on behalf of the FVMA, veterinary practices will not be mandated to close.
While you may continue to provide care to your patients, we urge you to minimize your exposure and that of your staff and clients by following some of the guidelines below:
#1 Practice social distancing:
Maintain a distance of six feet from others.
Limit your waiting room to no more than 10 people or close your waiting room altogether.
No handshaking, kissing, hugging or other best practices when greeting clients.
Implement a one person per pet rule.
#2 Offer limited contact appointments:
Encourage clients to wait in their cars instead of your practice lobby and call them when it is their pet’s time to be seen.
You may also consider offering drop off appointments.
#3 Offer curbside services:
Clients needing medications refilled? Either direct them towards your online pharmacy or deliver the medications right to their car.
#4 Reserve appointments for sick visits:
Consider rescheduling or limiting services such as wellness exams, dental services, and elective procedures.
#5 Practice good hygiene procedures:
Proper hand washing techniques.
Using hand sanitizer before and after every room
Wearing disposable gloves when appropriate.
Completely disinfect rooms in between visits.
#5 Educate your clients
The AVMA has great resources for veterinarians and pet owners.
The AVMA’s COVID-19 resource for pet owners
Your President,
Jackie Dueñas, DVM