Emmons is temporarily extending its telehealth services to all faculty and staff, free of charge, during the COVID-19 crisis. Also, an important request and information on using face masks in public.

An important request

If you have been tested positive for Covid-19, please contact HR or Sara Semal ASAP to notify us so that appropriate cleaning in the areas where you last were can take place, contact tracing and quarantining can be conducted, and community notices can be made (if warranted). Please note that your personal information and diagnoses will remain confidential.


Face mask recommendations

New recommendations have been made to wear masks anytime in public. I would like to clarify some points on this:

  • Additional face covering is intended to protect others from the spread of the virus from asymptomatic individuals. Since asymptomatic spread is being considered more prevalent, everyone benefits from the use of face coverings.
  • If you are sick, you should not be going in public at all. Face masks are encouraged for people with no symptoms when they are in public, it is not permission to go in public if you are experiencing any cold or flu symptoms (coughing, sneezing, runny nose, fever, etc.). 
  • Medical grade masks should be reserved for hospital staff and personnel, please do not purchase these items for personal use. 
  • Here is a great article on homemade masks and directions for making them, including no-sew ones.
  • Face coverings are not a substitute for physical distancing, frequent hand washing and not touching your face. These remain the most effective ways to reduce the risk of Covid-19.

Increased access to medical care

As you likely know, the current demand for medical care is high, while access is increasingly limited. Doctors and hospitals request patients stay home with mild to moderate symptoms of cold and flu in an effort to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and to reduce the burden on the healthcare system. This means that finding access to care when you need it can be difficult. For that reason, Emmons would like to temporarily extend it's telehealth services to all faculty and staff, free of charge, during the Covid-19 crisis (telehealth is already free to students).

Emmons medical providers are available Monday through Friday, 9am - 4:30pm for virtual walk-ins and appointments. Consultations can be conducted over the phone or via video conference utilizing Zoom telehealth, available through our secure patient portal and medical records system.

Some common health issues that can be quickly and appropriately addressed via telemedicine include:  

  • Follow-up for care you've received in the past two weeks
  • Colds and flus (including Covid-19 symptoms and when to get tested)
  • Sore throat
  • Sinus problems
  • Eye problems
  • Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
  • Skin rash or infection
  • Medication management

Please call the Emmons front desk to schedule an appointment or be put on a virtual waitlist. After business hours the Oxy Confidential Helpline is available for medical and mental health triage at 323-341-4141. For emergencies, please call 911 immediately.

For staff and faculty that would prefer to utilize the telehealth services through their work-sponsored insurance plan, contact your insurance provider 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for assistance:

Kaiser Permanente* 1-833-574-2273

Blue Shield of California 1-800-835-2362 www.teladoc.com/bsc

*Please note that individuals with Kaiser can utilize Emmons medical providers for care and consultation, but they will not be able to order labs or meds through Kaiser. They can, however, serve as an initial conversation to determine if these are necessary.

For your additional information, I am also attaching to this email the most recent FAQs regarding Covid-19 exposure and testing from the Los Angeles Department of Public Health. Please feel free to email me at any time if you have any questions or concerns.

All of us at Emmons are committed to the health and safety of all Oxy community members. Please reach out any time for answers to your healthcare questions and concerns.

Be well,
Sara Semal, Senior Director of Emmons Wellness Center