An Important Message About COVID-19
UPDATED 06/09/2021
Clients and Visitors:
The health and safety of our clients, individuals working at MCP, and our community are our primary concerns. We are monitoring information about COVID-19 (Coronavirus) from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Although the Governor of Minnesota has lifted the Stay-At-Home order and MCP’s services are considered essential, most of our providers are continuing to provide telehealth with a few providers opting to see clients who are not able to utilize telehealth or who request in-person services. If you are not currently using telehealth services and you would like to, please speak with your provider directly.
We encourage all clients and individuals working at MCP to follow measures to avoid contracting COVID-19 and avoid spreading it if they unknowingly have it. The Center for Disease Control provides these suggestions for prevention:
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
For those who continue to come into the office for appointments we ask that you follow the guidelines we have established below to help keep you, the providers and the staff at MCP safe:
We ask that individuals who feel sick with flu-like or cold-like symptoms, have recently returned from travel outside of the country or state, believe they may have been exposed to or are diagnosed with COVID-19, or who have been in contact with someone who has been exposed to or tested positive for COVID-19 contact their MCP provider(s) to provide an update and stay home until they no longer have symptoms /test negative for COVID-19 or pass the recommended self-quarantine period instead of attending sessions or groups at MCP. The providers at MCP have agreed to waive late cancelation fees and modify attendance policies for individuals who cancel their appointments due to illness, possible exposure, self-quarantine, or choosing to stay home due to social distancing during this time of increased concern about the spread of COVID-19.
UPDATE 6/9/21: Although the Governors Executive Order 20-81 has been lifted, it is recommended that healthcare settings continue mask use. The Minnesota Center for Psychology requires that masks continue to be worn by clients, employees, contractors and visitors in all common areas (lobby, hallways, etc) and group rooms (unless you are medically unable to do so). This is out of respect for our clients, employees, contractors and visitors who are immunocompromised and those who are unable to receive the COVID-19 vaccine (i.e., children under age 12). This is not a permanent decision and will be reevaluated regularly. Contractors are free to decide if masks are required or not in their respective offices. Disposable masks are available at MCP. Please let your provider know ahead of time if you will need a disposable mask.
The main lobby of MCP is currently locked for safety reasons during this time. The West door of the building is unlocked from 9am-4pm Monday through Friday. We ask that if possible, you continue to remain outside or in your car until the time of your session. If the weather prohibits waiting outside/in your car or you are using public transportation and must use the waiting room, please maintain a safe distance of 6 or more feet from others. Restrooms are available in the center of the main building.
Use precautions such as increased use of hand sanitizer and hand washing, using tissues for door handles, etc while in the office.
Providers may choose to use a no-touch thermometer to scan for elevated temperatures before your appointment.
For your convenience, hand sanitizer is available for your use in the waiting room at MCP. Increased cleaning/disinfecting procedures have been implemented throughout the office as well as procedure changes that limit contact with shared objects and encourage social distancing.
This can be a frightening time for many, and we encourage you to talk about any emotions you have regarding COVID-19 with your MCP provider(s).
We will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as needed. Thank you for your support and attention to this matter. If you have any questions, please talk to your provider(s) or call 651-644-4100.