With recent ‘stay home’ orders, many questions on what has been deemed ‘essential service’, and which are classified as ‘non-essential’. If you have an appointment at the podiatrist coming up or you’re in need of podiatric care, you are likely wondering if the ‘stay home’ rule applies to podiatric clinics or not.
Since podiatric clinics provide essential care to patients with urgent healthcare needs, podiatric clinics remain an ‘essential service’.
Some patients have foot and ankle care needs that cannot wait, such as injuries or podiatric conditions associated with diabetes. Here at Canyon Oaks Foot & Ankle, we are here to provide the same great care we always have to our neighbors in need of podiatric medical attention.
That being said, we would like to take a moment to address the current COVID-19 situation and the current effects it is having on the logistics of receiving podiatric care.
California’s State Order to Stay Home
Canyon Oaks strongly encourages all local residents to abide by government orders on staying home except as needed for activities deemed essential by the State.
In fact, the California State Government has ordered that “Non-essential medical care like eye exams, teeth cleaning, and elective procedures must/should be canceled or rescheduled.”
People above the age of 60 and those suffering from existing medical conditions are advised to take extra precautions and not leave their homes at all, except in case of emergency.
Those experiencing flu-like symptoms are urged to refrain from physical contact with anyone and immediately contact their doctor or urgent care provider via phone to find out how to proceed safely.
If you decide, due to age, existing health conditions, or other factors, that your podiatric needs are non-urgent podiatric and can wait, please stay home.
If, however, your podiatric care is urgent, please do not wait to come to our clinic.
Additionally, if you are wondering about how to care for your feet and ankles at home or need help determining whether or not your condition is urgent, do not hesitate to contact us at one of our clinics on the phone.
If your condition requires a visit to the podiatrist, please see the following information on how to do so safely.
Staying Safe on Your Visit to the Podiatrist in the Central Valley
While we are still considered an essential service, the health and safety of our patients and fellow community members remains our chief concern. We are taking every precaution to keep our patients safe when they visit our Canyon Oaks Foot & Ankle clinics in Fresno, Visalia, and Porterville, California.
When you come in for your appointment at one of our podiatric clinics, we kindly ask you to please be sure to follow our guidelines for How to Stay Safe From Coronavirus at the Podiatrist.
Maintaining Foot Health at Home
Regardless of current circumstances, we are focussed on helping community members have what they need to stay healthy.
In view of the ‘stay at home’ order, we have pulled together a timely resource on Ways To Maintain Foot Health While Maintaining ‘Social Distancing’. Please read it carefully to see what you can do to promote good foot and overall health at these times.
We also encourage you to stay tuned to our Foot and Ankle Resource Center for more upcoming information on what you can do to maintain foot health.
Take care!
