(String) Oooh. This makes me a little cranky. Want to see me? Wear a mask, like I wear one for you. Why? Because I would like us both not to get sick. (& yes, I make exceptions for little kids & developmentally impaired who would be at higher risk from touching their masks. 1/ https://twitter.com/MudPhud07/status/1277789441147322368

Why am I cranky? Because you are annoyed with wearing a mask for 30 min & put your rights over mine (BTW, my patients have been great) but people should know how much MDs changed/improved/accommodated to make things safe from patients. Included, but not exhaustive list... 2/

Notification of COVID-19 workplace precautions and staff roles/responsibilities; endless sign changes; workplace screening protocols; Physical barriers at reception; Minimize use of waiting room; Screening staff, volunteers, and patients; Patients screened on phone & at apt..3/

Provide surgical/procedure mask (at cost to MD); Clean and disinfect affected areas; Minimize in-person time required (assess virtual care); providing care outside clinic, if needed; education on distancing, hand hygiene, masking; enhanced environmental cleaning; 4/

Remove communal items – newspapers, magazines, stuffed toys, etc.; Continuous masking (surgical/procedure) during direct patient care, as well as when around other staff; Limit people in shared spaces (e.g., lunchrooms), stagger break periods. 5/

I made 2 dividers to protect my staff; poured for hours over education regarding covid-19 & specifics on protecting patients.

SO, if I ask you to wear a mask, please do. Hours & hours of thought, planning, organization & education went in to that request.

#abdocs4patients
/FIN