White Lotus Acupuncture is committed to providing safe and effective acupuncture services during the COVID-19 pandemic in accordance with New Jersey state and federal (CDC) guidelines.  Our priority is the safety, well-being, and comfort of our patients.

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White Lotus Acupuncture has implemented the following healthcare guidelines in response to the COVID-19 pandemic:

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NOTE: Despite these revisions in practice, it is important to remember that transmission may still occur. COVID-19 is shed in high concentration before symptoms appear, so screening questions and temperature checks are not a guarantee that an asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic patient will not enter the clinic. Though our cleaning and disinfection practices surpass current safety standards, transmission of the virus may still occur.

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COVID-19 Consent – Patients will be required to sign a COVID-19 informed consent form prior to any treatment.  This waiver provides informed consent regarding the COVID-19 virus and the risks associated with receiving clinic services during a pandemic.

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Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection – As per the CDC guidelines, WLA will be sanitizing any equipment used after every patient. Infection control measures are readily available, such as alcohol-based hand sanitizers, tissues, hand soap, and waste receptacles. Any non-essential equipment and shared items have been removed from the clinic.

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• WLA is equipped with an Austin Air HEPA system, which uses medical grade HEPA technology proven to remove 95% of all pollutants as small as 0.1 microns. The COVID-19 virus is larger than this, so the Austin air purifier is theoretically effectively removing the vast majority of the virus when it is airborne.

• EPA N-list approved products are used to clean surfaces, and a vacuum with HEPA filtration is used to clean floors. Hand sanitizer strength will meet or exceed CDC guidelines.

• High touch work areas such as counters, doorknobs, light switches, faucets, dispensers, etc. are disinfected after each patient.

• Smaller patient care items such as cups, probes, blood pressure cuffs, thermometers, pulse oximeters, etc. will be cleaned and disinfected after each use.

• Any table sheets, blankets, etc. are changed after each patient and are either discarded or laundered.  Laundered items are washed in hot, soapy water.

• All surfaces that come into contact with soiled laundry will be disinfected after exposure.

• Contactless payment methods are available and encouraged.

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Masks – All patients and staff must wear masks at all times while in the clinic, and during the duration of any acupuncture treatment. Please bring your own mask.

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Mandatory Screenings – We are screening all patients for COVID-19 symptoms and exposure TWICE. You will receive one screening via an email sent the day prior to your visit, and a second, shorter screening prior to entry to the clinic. Individuals who do not pass the screening will not be permitted to enter the clinic and will be advised to seek medical attention.

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WLA COVID-19 Self-Screening Information – On the evening prior to appointment the patient will be contacted via email and asked to self-screen for the following COVID-19 symptoms and exposure:

• A temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher

• Newly developed cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing

• Fever, chills, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, headache, muscle pain or body aches

• In the past 14 days, have you had close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 [close contact refers to being within 6 feet of the person for an extended time OR having been exposed to their cough or sneeze]

• Travel to/from states currently on the travel advisory list requires quarantine in the state of New Jersey.  Click here for list of states.

 

Scheduling – Appointments are scheduled allowing no overlap between patients to minimize the risk of virus transmission and to allow adequate time for cleaning between patients.

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Patients Only – Access to the clinic is restricted to the patient only. One guardian or one essential caregiver is the only exception, which needs to be stated at time of scheduling.

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No Waiting Area – Please note that there is no waiting area so please arrive no more than 5 minutes prior to your appointment time as patients are being seen one at a time with time allotted in-between appointments for cleaning.

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COVID-19 Screening at Arrival -- When you arrive for your visit you will be given another COVID screening prior to entry.  Your temperature will be taken and you will be asked the same questions stated above regarding symptoms and exposure.  If you pass the screening your appointment will move forward.

 

Personal Items – Please limit what you bring into the clinic and leave any non-essential items in the car or at home.  Limit your items to the necessities such as handbag, wallet, coat, cell phone.  Please leave any bulky items or bags in your car or at home.

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Restroom Use – WLA is limiting restroom use to minimum use so please use the bathroom prior to arrival.  The bathroom is to be used for hand washing only.

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Hand Hygiene – Upon entering the clinic, please do not touch anything and go directly to the restroom to wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water.

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Exposure Control Plan – In the event that a practitioner, patient or clinic visitor reports experiencing symptoms of respiratory infection within 14 days of visiting WLA, the clinic will be closed and thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

• WLA will follow the directive of public health for the State of New Jersey to determine appropriate contact tracing procedures, and when to reopen the clinic.

• WLA will keep thorough clinical records, appointment schedules, and visitor logs in the event that contact tracing is necessary.

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The health and safety of all our patients is of the utmost importance so your patience and understanding with these guidelines is greatly appreciated.  Thank you for taking the time to read and consider our clinic guidelines, please reach out with any questions or concerns.