Now, more than ever, it is important to care for your health and well-being, and regular medical care is essential to maintaining good health. We want to remind all of our patients that we are still scheduling appointments.

We want to help your family access, and not delay, the care you need.

Our staff will reach out to patients whose appointments were canceled, asking them to reschedule care. Please contact us to see if you should schedule an appointment at this time.

Flanders Pediatrics, LLC is doing all we can to keep our patients and staff safe and healthy. If we decide that your care needs can be met by a telemedicine visit instead of an in person office visit, we will provide a telemedicine appointment. We will make this decision with you during our tele-triage process. Of note, you will not need to download any software programs to participate.

We have been utilizing information from Yale Children's Hospital, Connecticut Children's Medical Center and the CT Department of Health to shape our response to this crisis. First and foremost we want to reassure our patients that healthy children appear to be largely unaffected by this virus. However, it is still important for us all to practice social distancing as children can often be a vector for older adults at risk. Social distancing means avoiding unnecessary contact through play dates and public places. It also means avoiding contact with at risk relatives when possible. For more information and for ideas on how to spend time with your children please visit HealthyChildren.org. Our local children's hospitals have also set up patient information lines that you may access for additional education.

CCMC (1-833-226-2362) Yale (1-203-688-1700)

Our primary goal is to continue to serve the health care needs of your family while also keeping your children safe and healthy. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. To reassure you, here are some of the changes we are making to minimize any potential risk of virus transmission:

• We will be scheduling sick patients later in the day as our earlier hours will be reserved for well care.

• Less waiting time. Our office will send you a text alert or call when it’s your turn to come back, so you can wait for your appointment in your car or outside of the building

• Our waiting room has been reconfigured to have chairs spaced apart and no shared reading material.

• Separate time and space for those experiencing COVID-related symptoms or other respiratory complaints.

• Care staff will wear full PPE (personal protective equipment) and are being regularly screened for symptoms of COVID-19.

• Requiring patients to wear masks at all times. We can provide you with a mask if you do not have your own.

• Requiring patients to have temperature checks and answer questions about symptoms prior to appointments.

• Careful cleaning and disinfecting protocols between patients for all equipment that is used.

• Asking that you limit companions to individuals whose participation in the appointment is necessary based on your situation.

We understand that COVID-19 and our related policies present challenges to some of you. If you have concerns, please reach out to us. We are ready to problem solve with you. Please call the office first before going to the Emergency Room or calling 911, unless you are having a life-threatening emergency.

Our care team is committed to providing you with the same excellent care you’ve come to know and trust. Your visit to our office may be slightly different under today’s circumstances, but what hasn’t changed is our commitment to delivering safe care, when and where you need it most. We thank you for your patience, support, and cooperation as we work together to continue our care for your health and well-being, and for the health of our community.