Skin Cancer & Cosmetic Dermatology Center, which operates 14 clinics across southeast Tennessee and northwest Georgia, is taking additional precautions against the spread of the deadly Coronavirus, following an advisory by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“On January 20, 2020, the CDC announced that the Coronavirus disease had been detected in the United States. As cases have now been reported across the country, Skin Cancer & Cosmetic Dermatology Center is taking this seriously because of the potential for this virus to spread quickly,” says Dr. John Chung, FAAD, FACMS, Medical Director, President and CEO of Skin Cancer & Cosmetic Dermatology Center.
“Coronavirus shows up with symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath. We encourage anyone experiencing these symptoms not to panic but to seek medical advice as soon as they notice any symptoms or have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19. We are instructing our patients that the best way to avoid the spread of this deadly virus is to keep sick individuals secluded from the general public. Going to work and out in the public sick isn’t ‘powering through’; it is actually putting many other people at risk,” states Dr. Chung.
Additionally, the CDC is recommending discernment when traveling, especially trips out of the United States.
General cleanliness is also emphasized to limit the spread of Coronavirus; using disposable wipes to clean surfaces like doorknobs, counters, and keyboards wipe out the germs without risking the spread of the virus through using a cleaning towel again.
Kelley Finnell, Chief Operating Officer, states, “As an integral part of the communities we serve, we want to assist with preventing the spread of this illness. The health and safety of our employees and patients is ALWAYS our top priority. We have a focused-team monitoring the situation in real-time. Early on in the development of this situation, we took a pro-active stance and began to expand our procedures to increase the frequency and sanitizing of our offices, and we are already taking additional steps to screen each and every patient for symptoms. We want to reassure everyone that treating patients safely is our number one priority.”
Skin Cancer & Cosmetic Dermatology Center will continue to monitor the Coronavirus throughout the surrounding areas. If any adjustment is made to office hours, the website and social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram) will reflect any changes.
