The North Carolina State Board of Podiatry Examiners 
March 23, 2020 Statement on COVID-19 

The NC Board of Podiatry Examiners (NCBPE) continues to monitor the spread of the coronavirus in our state. Governor Cooper’s two Executive Orders have, among other things, declared a state of emergency, closed public schools and banned gatherings of large crowds (more than 100 people) in certain situations. https://governor.nc.gov/news/executive-orders 

All citizens, especially healthcare providers, have a role to play in preventing the spread of this disease by following sound scientific health care advice and infection control principles. Healthcare providers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their patients and their healthcare team. The NCBPE recognizes that circumstances vary widely within our state and no two practices are alike. You, as the healthcare provider, have the best information regarding your patients, your auxiliary personnel, and the community you serve. During this pandemic, you should become thoroughly familiar with and implement all additional patient safety and infection control measures issued by federal, state, and professional agencies that are appropriate for your practice. With this is mind, the NCBPE strongly recommends that providers put in place the best possible infection control and sterilization protocols for both treatment rooms and common waiting areas. In addition, providers should consider postponing elective, non time-sensitive, or non-urgent care for two weeks beginning March 23, 2020. Practitioners will need to consider how to best balance the benefits of the delay in care with any risk to patient health that such delays may cause. Please note this statement is a recommendation and not a mandate. Our goal is to limit the spread of Covid-19 and keep practitioners, staff and patients as safe as possible.  Additional recommendations may follow as needed. 

Below are links to various resources that provide advice and guidance to healthcare professionals and the general public that should prove useful as you seek to provide the best possible protection for your patients and your healthcare team.  Helpful links follow below.  Thank you for all that you do to serve your patients and the citizens of North Carolina.    

CDC Guidelines for Healthcare Providers:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/index.html   

APMA Guidance: 
https://www.apma.org/News/NewsDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=39728   

FPMB Resources:
https://www.fpmb.org/%2fResources%2fCOVID-19.aspx

Guidance for Providers: 
https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina/health-care 

Latest Covid-19 update: 
https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina 

Basic Information on the virus: 
https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina/what-covid-19   

Materials for Sharing: 
https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-response-north-carolina/materials-and