**Updated 19 March 2020** Dear friends: In response to the ever-evolving situation regarding the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the health and safety of our staff and clients, Bellevue Animal Hospital is implementing several new protocols.
As an American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accredited practice, we already follow strict standards related to housekeeping, maintenance, and contagious disease control; this includes our practice team members following infection control policies related to personal hygiene, patient care, and disinfection of equipment and facilities. Our team regularly utilizes frequent hand washing or the use of antimicrobial agents to prevent the spread of contagious disease to hands and hospital surfaces.
In addition, we are now cleaning community-use items several times daily (such as pens, benches and chairs, telephones, door handles, signature pads, keyboards, etc.) and we have installed two hand sanitizer dispensers – one by each of our main entry doors – for client use. We have temporarily removed our Keurig coffee service, children’s toys, and children’s books from the lobby area. We will be closely monitoring the health of everyone on our team. Additional protocols may be introduced as necessary or recommended.