Updated COVID-19 Statement from Vireo Chief Medical Officer Stephen Dahmer, M.D.
The global outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to be an issue with immense and tragic impact on our society. Our hearts go out to all who have been affected by the spread of this deadly disease.
Nearly six months have passed since the pandemic shut down much of our country and changed our lives irrevocably. As a healthcare company that provides important medication, Vireo and our dispensary locations were deemed an ‘essential service’ in every state in which we operate and were allowed to remain open throughout the pandemic. This enabled us to ensure continuity of service to our patients and continue to provide the important medications they use to find relief from a variety of serious medical conditions such as cancer and chronic pain.
We took on this responsibility with the utmost of sense of accountability and pride. In order to ensure patient and team member safety, we implemented mandatory policies and procedures proactively in early March 2020 at all Vireo Health facilities. These policies include enhanced sanitization and cleaning efforts, the use of masks, gloves and other PPE items, daily temperature screenings, and mandatory workplace/social distancing. To help ensure continued compliance, we also issued weekly communications and posted signage to update and remind all employees of all procedures.
Additionally, we have policies in place that require team members to report out-of-state travel, symptoms of COVID-19, or any potential exposure to COVID-19. Team members who experience any of these events are asked to quarantine and/or work from home.
Due to the above mandatory Vireo procedures, we can confidently say that while in our facilities our team members and our patients are at a lower risk than any other essential interaction (eg. grocery store, pharmacy, gas station). We employ a video monitoring service which allows us to confirm that all procedures are being followed and to conduct contact tracing, if needed.
We want to thank all our team members and patients for their diligence and commitment to following all safety protocols. We make a great team, working our way together through this pandemic, and simultaneously continuing our essential services while successfully keep each other safe and healthy.
We will continue to strictly implement and follow our policies as long as necessary to help stem the spread of COVID-19 and to help protect our team members, patients, and their families.
Here are some helpful suggestions and resources that you can use protect yourself, your family, and your fellow patients:
– For general information on protecting yourself and your community, visit the Center for Disease Control’s COVID-19 site.
– Know the symptoms of COVID-19 and contact your primary care provider if you develop symptoms suggestive of the disease.
– If you are high-risk patient group, please read over the CDC tips on protecting yourself.
– Familiarize yourself with tips on social distancing and even quarantine in preparation for spread to your community.
– If you have symptoms and work with a registered caregiver without symptoms, please send a caregiver to pick up medications. If you are interested in registering a caregiver and need help, please contact us.
– Strongly consider getting a full 1-month supply (or the maximum your state allows) of medication to reduce unnecessary travel and decrease exposure risk.
– Remember to order in advance using our eCommerce sites to reduce your wait time and utilize our curbside pickup, where allowed by state law. In many states, we are only offering curbside pickup.
Find your state’s online shop below:
New Mexico – Santa Fe or Gallup
Vireo’s medical team is monitoring reports from medical organizations around the globe as well as local updates and are committed to keeping you informed and protected. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us by emailing patients@vireohealth.com or call your local dispensary.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to all those who have suffered due to COVID, either because they themselves or a loved one contracted the virus. We wish everyone that has been affected a swift and full recovery. Please continue to stay safe.
Stephen Dahmer, M.D.
Chief Medical Officer
Vireo Health