COVID-19: Staying safe and healthy now
Our world may look different as a result of COVID-19, but some things haven’t changed: the importance of primary care and Oak Street Health’s commitment to older adults. We are here for you, always. Our telehealth appointments over video and telephone keep you healthy and safe.
We are available 24/7 to talk to you about your health, answer any questions and help you take the first step to becoming an Oak Street Health patient.
Get information on the COVID-19 vaccine.
What we’re doing to keep you safe in-center.
Cleanliness and infection control has always been a top priority for us. Even more so since Covid-19. Here are the things we are doing to ensure not only the safety of all our patients, but our care teams as well.
Common questions
Is Oak Street Health still open? Are you accepting new patients?
Yes, we are accepting new patients. As the government currently instructs seniors to stay at home, we’re conducting telehealth visits over the phone and through video in order to provide high-quality primary care while keeping our communities safe. Our centers remain open only for in-person visits that are deemed highly medically-necessary.
Am I at risk?
Yes, older adults and people with underlying chronic medical conditions including heart conditions, respiratory diseases and diabetes, are at higher risk.
How do I protect myself?
The most important thing you can do right now to protect yourself and help stop the spread of the coronavirus, based on guidance from the government and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is to stay at home. You should also wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. This is especially important for seniors, as prevention is our best treatment.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of coronavirus include fever, cough and shortness of breath. According to the CDC, additional symptoms include: chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell.
How does COVID-19 spread?
The virus is passed along like a common cold or the flu, which means through coughing, sneezing or activities like handshakes. It can also be spread by touching a surface (like a door knob, table or keyboard, for example) with the virus on it, and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands. The virus can live on a surface for up to 48 hours.
I use a nebulizer machine. Is it safe to use at home?
If you use a nebulizer machine at home, you can continue using it, but you must be in a room by yourself with the doors and windows closed to protect others in your home. You may also continue to use your inhaler normally.
Call us at (844) 871‑5651 if you have any questions.
What else can I do to prepare?
It’s important to have access to all of your current medications. You should also stock up on common household items like toilet paper and hand soap, and frozen or shelf-stable food such as frozen vegetables, pasta and beans.
What should I do if I’m not feeling well?
Please call us at (844) 871‑5651, day or night and let us know the symptoms you have. We will determine next steps to best care for you.
In the News
Our dedication to seniors and leadership in healthcare is being recognized. Take a look to learn more about Oak Street Health.
Washing your hands can keep you healthy.
We’re here for you.
As always, your health is our top priority and we’re committed to supporting you. For more information, please visit the CDC’s Coronavirus 2019 page or call us.
Important message from Dr. Griffin Myers.
Our community is facing a challenge from the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic. Oak Street Health is here for you. As your primary care provider, our goal is to keep you happy, healthy and out of the hospital.
Click on the video to watch more from Dr. Griffin Myers, Chief Medical Officer
Safety measures in place.
Oak Street Health Centers: We have increased the frequency and intensity of cleaning in our centers and exam rooms. We disinfect high touch surface areas multiple times each day with disinfectants that are EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) approved to be effective against the coronavirus. Our overnight cleaning regimen is also increased, and our centers have increased ventilation, which allows more fresh air in.
Oak Street Health Vans: We have provided additional training and supplies to our staff and drivers. Our drivers are equipped with protective equipment such as masks, and we use disinfecting wipes in our vans after every single ride.
Face Masks: All Oak Street Health team members, patients, and visitors are required to wear a face mask when in our centers. We provide high-quality FDA approved face masks for visitors. Our mask inventory is well stocked.
Hand Washing: Our center staff is trained in proper hand hygiene and performs it multiple times each day. We also have hand sanitizer available throughout the center, and every visitor is encouraged to use it.
Social Distancing: We have clear instructions and markings in the center to ensure that everyone maintains a safe distance. If a patient has COVID symptoms, they will wait in a private exam room upon arrival.
Symptom Checking: We ensure the health of our care teams by checking them for COVID-19 related symptoms before starting their shift. Additionally, all patients and visitors are screened for COVID-19 related symptoms upon entering the center.
Nothing matters more than the health and safety of our patients and our staff. We’re committed to providing our patients with the highest quality of primary care in the safest possible environment