Dear Patients,
First off, we want to thank you for all the precautions you are taking right now in these uncertain and challenging conditions. We are sending you this update on COVID-19 at the request of our Lake County Board of County Commissioners.
We are writing to make a request of you. I am sure we have all witnessed examples of local residents not recognizing the seriousness of what this situation has become and putting themselves and others at risk by visiting public places and interacting with others. The best line of defense is to stay out of public places and to follow the current CDC guidelines. Please take this into consideration especially for those in our local community who are older than 65 and those susceptible to illness or have respiratory conditions. The best way to prevent this illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. The virus is thought mainly to spread from person to person. Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). And through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Please take the following steps to protect yourself and everyone in our community, including our friends, family and our loved ones.
- clean your hands often
- avoid close contact
- stay home if you’re sick (except to get medical care)
- cover coughs and sneezes
- wear a face mask if you are sick or caring for someone for who is sick
- clean and disinfect daily
- avoid sharing personal household items
- monitor your personal symptoms
Lake County has activated “The Citizen Information Hotline” – 352-253-9999 – opened Monday and is operational 8am-5pm, 7 days a week. County officials stress that residents with health related questions or those seeking information on testing for COVID-19 should still call the Lake County Florida Department of Health Hotline at 352-742-4830 which is also staffed 8am-5pm, 7 days a week. COVID-19 updates are available at www.lakecounty.fl.gov/COVID-19
Again, many thanks for your consideration of this request and for your dedication to the well-being of our local community, you are greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Dr. Johnny Gurgen DO
Dermatology & MOHS Surgery
