Washington Governor Jay Inslee announced that the state mask mandate for indoor public places and schools will end at midnight on March 11, 2022. Masks will continue to be required in healthcare settings, long-term care facilities, correctional facilities, and transportation settings. The announcement comes as COVID-19 cases and hospitalization rates continue to decline since the peak of the Omicron surge in January.

While the mandates are ending, businesses, schools, and employers may still require their patrons, students, and/or employees to wear masks. Additionally, Governor Inslee stated that some individuals might wish to continue to wear a mask after the mandate lifts, and others should respect that decision. We are excited about this positive step, but we will continue to require masks in all TCO offices until further notice. Thank you for your understanding!

In accordance with Governor Inslee’s statewide order, we will continue to require face coverings at all appointments with TCO. While the statewide order will take effect on Friday, June 26, TCO has had this requirement in place since April 3, 2020 as directed by the Benton-Franklin Health District. For reference, please visit the below links to view the order issued by Governor Inslee and options for acceptable face coverings. We are happy to serve our community and are doing our best to maintain a clean and healthy environment. Please contact our office to schedule an appointment, or with questions. Thank you, again, for allowing us to be a part of your trusted medical team!

https://www.governor.wa.gov/news-media/inslee-announces-statewide-mask-mandate

https://www.bfhd.wa.gov/news/what_s_new/stay_in_place-maintain_your_space-cover_your_face

Stay in Place, Maintain your Space, and Cover your Face

To protect the safety and well-being of our patients, employees, and the community at large, we are following the Benton-Franklin Health District’s recommendation to “Stay in Place, Maintain your Space, and Cover your Face”. That said, we will have our employees wear masks at all times while on-site. We ask that all patients wear some type of face-covering when they come in for their appointments. Please visit the Benton-Franklin Health District website for more information on this topic. Thank you and stay safe!

https://www.bfhd.wa.gov/news/what_s_new/stay_in_place-maintain_your_space-cover_your_face

The safety and well-being of our patients, employees, and community members is our highest priority. TCO continues to actively monitor the ever-changing information made available through the CDC, the Washington State Department of Health, and other resources to stay up to date on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in our communities. Due to this, we ask that you consider rescheduling your appointment for a later date if you meet one or more of the following criteria:

1. Have symptoms including coughing, shortness of breath, or fever of 100.4 or higher
2. Have been in contact with a person experiencing the above symptoms
3. Have been in contact with a person known to have COVID-19
4. Have traveled outside the United States in the last 6-weeks

Whenever possible, we ask that you come to your appointment alone. If this is not possible, we encourage your caregiver to stay in the car for the duration of your appointment. If other accommodations need to be made, please contact our office before your appointment.

We now have the ability to conduct telemed/telehealth visits via doxy.me, telephone calls, and/or FaceTime, if needed. We will contact existing appointments to offer a telemed/telehealth visit if appropriate for your needs. If you feel that your orthopaedic needs are urgent or require a clinic visit, please contact our office at (509) 460 – 5588.

For more information about COVID-19, please visit the CDC website (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html) or the Washington State Department of Health website (https://www.doh.wa.gov/emergencies/coronavirus).

Thank you for choosing Tri-City Orthopaedic Clinic, P.S.C. for your orthopaedic care. We are honored to be your trusted orthopaedic provider.