As COVID-19 Limitations Relax, Urgent Care Looks at Returning to Pre-Pandemic Norms

Mask mandates, capacity limits, and social distancing suggestions are starting to fall by the wayside across the country, leading urgent care operators to reconsider operational changes they may have instituted at the height of the pandemic. As JUCM News readers know, many urgent care centers diverted patients to alternate locations so resources could be dedicated to COVID-19 testing or other related activities. Now, however, Western Sierra Medical Clinic in California, Fayetville Urgent Care in Arkansas, and many others are announcing a return to formerly normal operating hours and practices. Just as importantly, they’re utilizing social media and local news outlets to let patients know that they can visit their local urgent care center whenever they need to. If you’re putting an end to any accommodations you’ve made due to the pandemic, consider sending a press release to media outlets and make a staff member available for comment. At the same time, if you choose to continue asking patients to wear a face covering make sure potential visitors know that, as well. It’s likely patients miss the convenience of “normal” urgent care practices; make it easy for them to come back.