Returning to Our Office

Given the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and the drastic alteration of work, transportation, family support, and child-care, each personal situation will be unique. Some members of our community may be more vulnerable to complications of COVID-19 or at increased risk of infection or severe symptoms. 
We are taking steps to promote your health and safety during these challenging times. These steps are based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and Be Safe Chicago. While we will be working diligently to keep our office COVID-19 free, we can't do this alone. Your actions will also play an integral role in this effort. When you return to in-person meetings, here is what you can expect:

Elevators, Corridors, and Lobbies

• CDC signage will be posted throughout the building.
  
• Separation shields and safety cones will be in place within the lobby. Face masks will be worn by building staff in common areas.
  
• Occupancy in the elevators will be limited and will increase wait times.
  
• Please wear a face covering when walking through the lobby and using elevators.
  
• Please stay to the right of the hallway if others are passing.

Restrooms

• Please wear a face covering when using the restroom, as these spaces are small and cannot accommodate social distancing when passing or using the sink.
  
• Consider using a paper towel when opening the door.  

Waiting Room

• The number of seats will be limited and spaced at least 6 feet apart.
  
• Shared materials, like magazines, have been removed.
  
• Upon arrival, please utilize the hand sanitizer available in the reception area.
  
• Kindly observe recommended social distancing while moving through the office. 
  
• Chairs, tables, and doorknobs will be disinfected every 2 hours. 

Face Coverings

• Cloth face coverings are intended to help contain your respiratory droplets from being spread to other people. Client and clinician will be able to sit at least 6 feet apart. You are welcome to wear a face covering if it makes you feel more comfortable. Your clinician will not be wearing a face covering. 

 
Arriving on Time

• Please come to your appointment on time. If you are running late, please call the office ahead of your arrival to assist us in our effort to ensure social distancing in the waiting room.
  
• Unless you require a caretaker for support, we ask that you come alone to your appointment. 

Enhanced Cleaning Protocols

• The building will provide more frequent cleaning and disinfection of common areas, with emphasis on high-touch surfaces such as elevator buttons, door handles, railings, and restrooms.
  
• Hand sanitizing stations will be available in the main lobby and on each floor.
  
• Air circulation equipment will be adjusted to bring in larger amounts of outside air, maximizing air exchange within the building.
  
• Windows within our offices can be opened, if you are comfortable, to increase air flow.

 
Health Monitoring

Clients are expected to regularly monitor their personal health status and should not come to the office if they are showing symptoms. Your clinician will do the same. Please report to us if you test positive for COVID-19, if you develop symptoms of the virus, or are self-isolating due to suspected or known exposure to COVID-19.

​Symptoms appear 2 - 14 days after exposure to the virus and may include:

• Cough
  
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  
• Fever
  
• Chills
  
• Exaggerated shivering
  
• Muscle pain
  
• Headache
  
• Sore throat and/or
  
• Loss of taste or smell

If you have had direct contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, or are being tested after a suspected exposure to COVID-19, you are expected to self-isolate. Please let us know as soon as possible if you need to return to telehealth to support your efforts to reduce the spread of the virus.

We are excited to resume in-person meetings and are striving to deliver that care as safely as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know. Welcome back!