In order to prevent the further spread of the Coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) and in the interest of patient and staff safety, Howard Brown Health is implementing service changes and new procedures.
NOTE: If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms or believe you have been exposed to COVID-19 call 773.388.1600 before visiting a clinic. When you call, a nurse will triage you over the phone or offer alternatives to coming to one of our clinics, if it is determined a visit is not necessary.
Service Changes and Site Closures
We are implementing the following service changes designed to promote social distancing practices:
Brown Elephant Stores. All Brown Elephant stores will be closed from Wednesday, March 18 through Wednesday, April 1. Additionally, all Brown Elephant furniture pickups have been suspended effective immediately.
Dental. Howard Brown Health Dental in Englewood remains open. Some oral hygiene services have been suspended until further notice. Hygienists will help support personal protective equipment ( PPE ) fitting and protocols agency wide.
Howard Brown Health at TPAN. Our Edgewater clinic is closed until further notice.
Screening Patients. Howard Brown will attempt to call scheduled patients to pre-screen more symptoms and/or risk for COVID-19. Additionally, all clinic visitors will be asked to complete a screening questionnaire. Symptomatic patients will be asked to wear facemasks.
Counseling Services. Behavioral health therapists will offer patients telehealth visits to help reduce travel. Patients unable to switch to telehealth will continue to receive in-person services.
Group Services and Outreach. Group and outreach services have been suspended for the time being.
Service Updates and Temporary Location Hours at the link: howardbrown.org/event/covid-19-cancellations-and-closures/ .
City and State Updates
The Chicago Department of Public Health ( CDPH ) released new guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19. You can view the full guidance document: howardbrown.us11.list-manage.com/track/click on their website. Governor J.B. Pritzker also released a statewide mandate for bars and restaurants. The following are the major updates contained in the new guidance:
-All bars and restaurants will close by the end of the day today, with drive through and curb-side pickup allowed until further notice.
-All events of 50 people or more will be banned for at least the next eight weeks.
-We strongly recommend cancelling gatherings of 10 or more attendees if all attendees are from vulnerable populations/people at higher risk ( as defined in the guidance ).
-Individuals over 60, and those with significant underlying conditions, should avoid larger events. Include this information in communication/promotion of events.
Who is considered higher risk?
-Persons over 60 years of age.
-People, regardless of age, with underlying health conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or chronic lung diseases like COPD.
-People, regardless of age, with severely weakened immune systems.
Guidance for People Living with HIV
At this time, both Howard Brown and the CDPH recommend that people living with HIV follow the same guidance as the general population and do not need to take additional precautions ( See CDPH's Preparedness Checklist for Individuals and Households ), unless individuals are considered higher risk ( See CDPH's Guidance for People at Higher Risk ).
Howard Brown is committed to addressing the COVID-19 epidemic effectively in our community. For more information on what COVID-19 is and what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones, please read our regularly updated FAQ.
—From a press relesse
Also see: www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/Howard-Brown-official-discusses-coronavirus/68139.html .
