Visitor Policy during COVID-19
PacMed allows a maximum of one visitor with appointments
ARE YOU BRINGING A VISITOR TO YOUR APPOINTMENT?
In order to protect the health of you and your guests, as well as other patients and staff, we have implemented the following visitor policy.
- We are encouraging no visitors or family members at your appointment. If you need help communicating with your care team, please use FaceTime or a phone call with your support person.
- If necessary, a maximum of one visitor will be allowed.
- One parent may accompany children to their appointments. We strongly prefer that you do not bring siblings.
If you have any visitors with you who do not meet the criteria above, they will be encouraged to please wait in the car (if safe).
If your visitor has symptoms, we will ask you to reschedule. Only necessary, essential, symptom-free caregivers should accompany the patients in the clinic. Thank you for your understanding and your help preventing the spread of disease.
PacMed pilots Lumedic for vaccine records on your phone
Pacific Medical Centers (PacMed) is piloting Lumedic Connect with select clinics. Lumedic Connect is a mobile app that lets patients securely store a digital record of their COVID-19 vaccination on their smartphone. Patients can share their record with any organization, business, or healthcare system using the app to verify health information.
Venturing out from COVID-19 Isolation
Once you’re fully vaccinated, you’ll be able to explore life just like before, right? Not so fast. Even after vaccination, some precautions are still needed—and fear, anxiety and other feelings from the pandemic will not disappear overnight.
I believe it’s important for everyone to make the transition at their own pace. It’s totally normal to experience mixed feelings as you transition back to more public engagement. Long-term changes like isolating more and increased vigilance can have lasting psychological impacts. Or perhaps you experienced a personal loss, change in employment or long-term health effects. Take it slow.
You may need a nudge to get the social contact that can benefit mental health. Think of habits you can take baby steps to shift outside the house—visiting a coffee shop during off hours, taking a walk on your breaks, maybe seeing a movie matinee in the theater.
Next, consider an indoor visit with one person outside your “bubble” or a brief gathering with a small group of friends. Give yourself time to get comfortable with that change, then extend it again. It’s natural to feel anxiety at first, but you may find relief as you take these steps safely.
As venues start reopening, venture to places you enjoyed before the pandemic. Acknowledge any feelings of fear and uncertainty you have, and don’t push yourself to do something you’re not ready to do just because others are. Likewise, when exploring with others it’s important not to invalidate their feelings if they’re not ready for things you’re comfortable with.
Of course, continue to wear face coverings and practice social distancing as needed. The medical field is still learning about the degree of protection the vaccine provides, so now is not the time to let your guard down. Evidence for the vaccines’ effectiveness and safety is very positive, however the rare Johnson & Johnson complications show us we are still learning. Learn more from www.CDC.gov, or your doctor.
Anxiety can affect anyone. If you are feeling extremely anxious or have panic attack symptoms such as hyperventilating, heart palpitations, blurry vision or feeling as if you may pass out, talk to your provider. Remember to venture out slowly—so you can gradually enjoy life more and more over time.