Message from BAA's Mark Goodman MD

I want to write to reassure and help protect you. As a community, we will get through the COVID-19 crisis but ALL must take some precautions.

As I am the physician for only a few in the community, I am not personalizing/providing medical advice to any other individuals and have inserted a link to the CDC guidelines and updates so that you can read material first-hand, and remain in touch with updates from officials directly to complement whatever individual advice you get from your own personal physician.

There is COVID-19 in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and surrounding communities in numbers that are not yet available given limited testing. For many, it may manifest only as cold symptoms, and most should do well with this even if they contract it.  I am writing to help reduce even that risk, but also to emphasize precautions for those who seem to have higher risk for unfavorable outcomes with the illness as there is still no immunization or direct medical therapy/medication for it.

As we learn about this Coronavirus, it seems those most vulnerable are over 60, and those with chronic lung, heart, diabetic or immune suppressing illness (whether from medication, or a natural immune illness), and especially those who have a combination of these characteristics. 

For this group, the CDC has recommended avoiding crowds, travel, and contact with those who are ill in particular, and social distancing in general...many interpret this as staying home, some as a six foot distance from others. To that end, the CDC has also indicated that this group may consider obtaining now supplies of medications, food, and other necessary items to “hibernate” for the next few weeks.

For all of us, avoiding those who are ill is important; as outlined in the attached material, for many reasons an ordinary facemask is likely practical only if ill or caring for those who are, but regular diligent handwashing is critical, as is avoiding touching one’s mouth, eyes or nose. A hand sanitizer is wonderful for when a sink and soap are not available, and is helpful when touching any surfaces before touching one’s face.

As we believe the illness is contagious through respiratory droplets, your risk is being within six feet of those who are infectious, or touching your face with hands that have contacted respiratory droplets (i.e from touching a contaminated surface and then your face). This is predominantly what you need to avoid at the moment, but it involves what is called social distancing and frequent hand washing or sanitizing.

As I mentioned, as we see numbers increase, remember that most will do well with this without any treatment necessary and should do their best to avoid it, avoid further spread if they are ill by self quarantine, and contacting your personal physician for directions. For those in the high risk group, it is imperative that you take stronger action in prevention and preparation as outlined  by the CDC.

The CDC link for detailed information.

As a member of the front line in health care, you should know that we will work to help keep you safe, and to get you the best available care if you are ill; as an Association, we will stay in touch with you and stand ready always to address any community level  concerns you have.