COVID-19 Safety Practices
The health and safety of our patients, families, and staff are important to us. As part of our response to COVID-19, we continue to follow safe practices from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, also called the CDC. Some of these practices include wearing a mask, eye protection and screening for COVID-19. This handout will tell you what to expect.
What can I expect when I arrive at a Stanford Children's Health hospital, clinic, and doctor’s office?
Screening: We will ask a series of questions to screen patients and families for COVID-19 symptoms. This will happen when they enter our buildings.
Eye protection: Our staff will now be wearing special equipment to protect their eyes. During your visit, you will see our staff wearing one of the following eye coverings:
- Plastic face shield
- Goggles
- Mask with face shield
- Safety glasses
Masking: Santa Clara County requires masking at any businesses and on public transit to prevent the spread of COVID-19. To keep everyone safe, we will ask these people to wear a mask when they enter our buildings:
- Children ages two and older
- Caregivers
- Visitors
If your child cannot wear a mask or is having trouble wearing a mask, please talk to one of our staff members. They can help provide more options to keep everyone safe.
What happens if I screen positive for symptoms?
In order to slow the spread of COVID-19, we screen visitors and caregivers at the front entrances. We do not allow staff or caregivers to enter the building when they screen positive for symptoms. If you screen positive, you cannot enter the building, unless a caregiver exception is given.
Why does everyone need to wear a mask for COVID-19?
Masks keep the virus from spreading to other people close by. Wearing a mask in our hospital can keep you and everyone else safe when inside our buildings. The COVID-19 virus can infect people before they start to feel sick. It can take 2 to 14 days for someone’s virus symptoms to start showing up.
Why do staff members need to wear eye protection?
Eye protection is required by the County for healthcare worker. Eye protection keeps the virus from spreading to staff who have additional exposures during their everyday work.
How can I help my child prepare for the visit?
To help your child prepare for the visit, you can tell them that:
- Care providers will wear masks and eye coverings during their visits
- Care providers may also wear other protection including gloves or gowns
What if my child or someone in my household has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19?
If you are visiting the hospital, tell your care team that someone in your home has or may have the coronavirus/COVID-19. Our doctors will work together with you to decide the safest plan for your child.
I have concerns or questions about wearing a mask. Is there anyone I can talk to?
Please talk to your child’s care team for all masking questions and concerns. Wearing a mask helps keep everyone safe.
