Coronavirus (COVID – 19) – Social Distancing & Updates from MCHN


There are different types of human coronaviruses, 15-30% are the cause of the common cold. COVID – 19 is a new disease, cause by a novel or new coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans. This coronavirus is thought to spread from person-to person through respiratory droplets.
The best way to prevent this illness and to prevent its spread is social distancing. For an individual, social distancing means maintaining at least 6 feet of distance or more between yourself and others. Additionally, social distancing means canceling large events, closing schools, canceling meetings and staying home.
The ultimate goal with practicing social distancing is to “flatten the curve”, to reduce the number of people that get infected and reduce how quickly it this virus spreads so the health care system doesn’t get overwhelmed. If the curve is steep, the virus is spreading at an exponential rate and the total number of cases skyrockets in a short period of time. The faster the infection curve rises, the quicker the local health care system gets overloaded beyond its capacity to treat people. A flatter curve, on the other hand means a slower infection rate which results in a less stressed health care system and fewer people getting the virus.

Here at the Manhattan Center for Headache and Neurology our patients are still our priority during this time. The following includes updates of what our practice is implementing to make sure our patients still get the proper care they need, while being safe and while continuing to “flatten the curve”.
Instead of coming into the office you can schedule a “Telehealth” appointment and meet with your provider virtually. “Telehealth” is being offered for all existing and new patients and is covered by insurance.
We are screening all patients and asking patients who have any COVID-19 symptoms or recent travel aboard to not come in and schedule a “Telehealth” appointments instead.
Starting next week there will be a reduced number of providers and staff in the office for in person appointments and testing. The rest of the staff will be working from home and virtually available.
Starting next week the office will have slightly altered business hours of operation. We will be open from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday – Friday.
Our office is following proper infection control standards and carrying out a no contact/no handshake policy.
Hand sanitizing stations will be available at the door and throughout the office.
Call or email our office for any prescription refills and consider having them sent to pharmacy that offers delivery. Try utilizing companies such as NowRx, Capsule, and Express Scripts to avoid a trip to the pharmacy. Also, check and see if your CVS or Walgreens is one of the locations practicing in their new delivery program.

Caroline Pruski, NP