HD Pediatrics Covid-19 Policy
You may have heard that the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency ended on May 11, 2023. This means that office policies made during the pandemic have changed.
Masking
Masks have been important during the pandemic. At this point in time, however, universal masking is no longer needed. This is due to many factors, including the availability of vaccines and treatments.
With the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, HD Pediatrics has ended universal masking in our office as of May 12, 2023.
Patients/family members that are in the office for a well-visit and have no symptoms of illness are no longer required to wear a mask.
Patients/family members are still required to wear a mask if they are in the office for a sick visit and the following is true:
- They have fever or other flu-like symptoms
- They have a known COVID-19 infection and are in their isolation period
- They have a known exposure to COVID-19 within the last 10 days
Masks will still be available at the front desk for all family members in adult and pediatric sizes and of course, you are always permitted to wear one if you feel more comfortable.
We ask that you kindly notify the office prior to any scheduled appointment if any one in the family develops symptoms concerning for Covid or anyone in the household tests positive for Covid.
We still have rapid testing available in the office and will see your child if they require a visit-we’d just like to take the proper precautions.
To prevent infection and to slow transmission of COVID-19, we recommend the following:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or clean them with alcohol-based hand rub.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when in public settings or around others.
- Maintain at least six feet distance between you and people coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Stay home if you feel unwell.
- Refrain from smoking and other activities that weaken the lungs.
- Practice physical distancing by avoiding unnecessary travel and staying away from large groups of people.
What we expect of our HD Pediatrics Staff?
At HD Pediatrics, we understand that if we are ill then we will not be able to care for your children. Therefore, our staff members are expected to be fully vaccinated, including for Covid-19. You can expect that our entire staff will continue to use a mask when we feel it would be beneficial to do so, including for most sick visits. We may also choose to wear other forms of personal protective equipment as needed depending on the nature of the visit.
We also require all staff members to test negative for Covid 19 if they are not feeling well before they can return to work. If, despite our best intentions, there is an outbreak of Covid 19 within our staff, we may need to adjust our schedule to be solely telemedicine appointments until we can return safely to the office for in person visits. We ask for your patience and understanding should this need arise.
Tim sits down with HD Pediatrics’ President,
Robyn Hayes, MSN, RN, cPNP-PC
Our Providers
About Robyn
MSN, RN, cPNP-PC, President of HD Pediatrics
Robyn has worked as a pediatric nurse practitioner for over 15 years, examining, diagnosing and treating children from newborns to 19 years old for both chronic and acute illnesses. She also performs well-child visits and educates parents and patients about their diagnoses so that together they can create the best care plans.
About JoséAlberto
Pediatrician, Named in “Best Doctors in America”
Dr. JoséAlberto (J.A.) Betances, MD graduated from Amherst College with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and earned his medical degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in his hometown of the Bronx, N.Y. He spent his residency in social pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore.
Insurances accepted