Coronavirus Update

. Posted in Influenza (Flu), Cold/Flu, Health, Coronavirus

Dear InterMed patient,

Maine reported its first case of COVID-19 yesterday, and we expect the numbers to grow in coming days and weeks.

Many of you have called our offices with questions and concerns, and I want to assure you of two things.

First, the risk of contracting coronavirus remains low. In addition, the vast majority of cases are very mild-to-moderate. There are steps below to help keep you and your loved ones healthy, and I encourage you to practice them diligently.

Secondly, our team at InterMed is working hard to ensure you continue to receive the best of care, whether you have concerns about coronavirus or would like to be seen in our office for a sprained ankle.

We recently added outdoor, drive-through appointment-only testing for patients who our provider suspects may have coronavirus disease. If your provider feels your symptoms and history make you a candidate for COVID-19, we’ll schedule an appointment at the testing location and our staff will be able to quickly perform swabs that will be tested for coronavirus disease as well as its cousin, the seasonal flu.

As a reminder, if you have an upcoming appointment, please call your provider’s office if:

  • You’ve had contact with anyone who was diagnosed with coronavirus disease or is currently a Patient Under Investigation and is awaiting test results.
  • You traveled to one of the following countries in the past 14 days
    • China
    • Iran
    • Italy
    • South Korea
  • You traveled from areas of the United States with known Coronavirus. This map is helpful to identify the constantly changing landscape of this virus.

These do not mean that you have coronavirus disease, however, we will ask you to wear a mask when you arrive at our office.

Finally, please remember that the following help keep the virus at bay:

  • 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 percent alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
  • Cough and sneeze into your sleeve, not your hands. Or use a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash
  • Stay home when sick
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects (like your cell phone) and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe

We’re learning more every day about coronavirus, and I encourage you to stay informed. Two good websites are:

If you have questions, please feel free to contact your provider.

Thank you, and best wishes for good health,

Dan Loiselle, MD
Chief Medical Officer