I had a doctor’s appointment; I wasn’t sick just a checkup. I was surprised when I was told that the appointment was still on. (Isn’t there a shortage of PPE ?) Upon arrival, there were two nurses at a table outside. There you filled out a check list of Covid-19 symptoms with a place for your signature indicating that the information was true to your best knowledge. The nurse took the pen with an alcohol wipe. Then you were swiped at the forehead to get your temperature. The nurse then pumped hand-sanitizer for me. Then the door was opened automatically. I was the only patient in the reception area to check in. You had to put your signature on a touchscreen acknowledging that your account was current. (Didn’t a nurse just pick up my pen with an alcohol wipe?) Then I was given a form to take upstairs. The clerk asked if I had a pen. There was another woman upstairs and we distanced ourselves socially. I signed the form. My hands felt liked they needed to be cleaned again, so I went to the bathroom to wash them using the information I received on proper hand washing. I wondered if my hands were ever clean my entire life. I cut the faucet off using the towel used to wipe my hands and tossed it.
I was called to the examining room. I was asked if I wanted to check my weight. Like any woman, I said no. When I got to the exam room, the nurse sanitized her hands and took my blood pressure. When she finished, she sanitized her hands again and advised me that the doctor would be in shortly. I was relieved that I didn’t have to give a urine sample. The doctor arrived, sanitized her hands and socially distanced herself. We talked about the new normal, proper hand washing techniques and that all elective surgeries were cancelled. She sanitized her hands before leaving. She gave me the new farewell greeting, “Stay Safe”. I sanitized my hands, turned in paperwork downstairs and left. I asked for sanitizer when I got outside.
My next appointment may be virtual!
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