Dear Sanoviv Family and Friends:

Sanoviv Medical Institute has been at the forefront of efforts to promote health and wellness for over 20 years.  In light of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, we are committed do all we can to protect our medical guests and staff, while continuing to assist our guests with chronic and degenerative diseases.  We are closely monitoring updates from the World Health Organization (WHO), trusted news sources, government and other respected authorities regarding COVID-19.  We have implemented aggressive strategies to safeguard our healing facility and provide accurate and helpful information to our guests and others. 

We know that many of you have questions or concerns, so we offer the following questions and answers to inform you of the latest information.  This page will be updated regularly as circumstances dictate.

What are you doing to protect visitors and staff from COVID-19?

Here are some precautions and strategies that we have implemented to ensure the safest possible environment at Sanoviv.

• Since January 2020, we have executed strict screening protocols designed to prevent admitting guests or staff who may be infected with COVID-19.
• Guests are screened by phone before coming to make sure we do not admit those experiencing symptoms that may indicate a potential infection.
• Upon arrival at Sanoviv, guests and staff are screened in an isolated area before being admitted to our facility. Screening includes health questionnaire, temperature, blood oxygen level, and testing for the COVID-19 virus (using either antibody or antigen rapid testing (we have both available on-site). Employees are screened daily upon entering the facility.
• Anyone not passing the screening will be quarantined and tested with a PCR test.  If the test is negative, they can begin their program immediately.  If the PCR test is positive, we will help the guest to safely quarantine off-site until it is safe for them to resume their program.
• Our screening has proven very successful in identifying potential cases to maintain a safe, healing environment for our guests.  However, we all understand that no screening can provide 100% certainty against potential exposure.  With this in mind, we have strict protocols on site to reduce the risk of spreading infection.
• We have hired additional housekeeping staff to more frequently clean and sanitize our facility, following hospital-standard cleaning protocols. Cleaning staff frequently wipe hard surfaces and other guest touch points, such as handles, knobs, elevators, counters, tables, and so on. 
• Guests and Staff are expected to wear masks everywhere in the facility except at meals, in their private room, or outside when proper social distancing can be maintained.
• Transportation vehicles are cleaned and sanitized between transporting guests.
• We have implemented extensive training for our staff on ways to avoid transmission of disease — placing heavy emphasis on frequent hand washing, wearing protective gloves or masks where needed, and other aspects of personal hygiene.
• Wherever possible, we practice “social distancing.”
• Any staff members who develop any symptoms of illness are required to stay home, consult their outside healthcare providers, and quarantine until they are fully recovered and have a negative COVID-19 test.  We are also randomly test employees. 
• Any guests who develop symptoms during their program will be immediately quarantined and tested for COVID-19.  If they test negative, they can resume their program.  If they test positive, we will help them to safely quarantine until they are approved to resume their program.
• We provide nutrition therapy for both patients and employees to boost their immune systems and help prevent illness.

 Do you treat patients with COVID-19?

At Sanoviv, we do not treat COVID-19 patients.  Incoming guests are screened and anyone with symptoms is quarantined until they are tested to rule out infection. If the PCR test is positive, we assist them to safely quarantine until they are no longer a risk to our other patients and staff.

What if I have an upcoming reservation? 

If you have an upcoming reservation to visit us for treatment or diagnostics, we look forward to welcoming you to Sanoviv.  Please rest assured that we are doing everything possible to maintain Sanoviv as a safe, integrative oasis of healing.  We are concerned about the threat of infection and doing everything we can to keep our staff and patients safe.  Medical treatment programs are moving forward as scheduled without interruption.  Medical guests continue to arrive and depart regularly as they receive advanced therapies for chronic and degenerative diseases. 

Please note that if you have an upcoming reservation, and you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, or have had possible exposure to COVID-19, you will need to postpone your reservation until a sufficient time has passed to insure that you are not affected by any communicable illness. If you have to postpone a reservation due to COVID-19, don’t worry.  We’ve never charged a change fee for moving a reservation.  We’re happy to assist you to reschedule your reservation for a better time.

What about the border between the US and Mexico?  Is the border closed?

As of March 21, 2020, the border crossing between the US and Mexico near San Diego is technically closed to “non-essential” travel. Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf confirmed that essential travel includes medical purposes.  So, travel to and from Sanoviv for medical services is not restricted for US and Canadian citizens.  Persons from other countries should investigate travel restrictions to see if they apply to them.  The border is running smoothly right now for essential travel for medical services.  Guests with reservations will be provided a letter from Sanoviv indicating that they are traveling for medical purposes.  US or Canadian citizens traveling for medical reasons shouldn’t anticipate any significant delays or restrictions at the border.  In the unlikely event of a situation where one of our guests cannot return home, we have contingency plans in place, and we will do everything possible to ensure the safety and comfort of our guests until they are permitted to return home.

Is it safe to travel?

Generally, if proper precautions are followed, it’s safe to travel within the US and many other countries. However, each individual needs to make that determination based on their health situation and personal circumstances. We continue to have guests arriving and departing regularly.  If you have questions, please contact our admissions department. We encourage you to study information provided by airlines and other transportation providers.  Many are taking extra precautions to ensure your safety while traveling.  If you choose to drive to San Diego, we can arrange to pick you up there. 

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Primary symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Fever
• Cough or dry cough
• Difficulty breathing

Other symptoms that may be present, but could also indicate some other type of viral illness, include:

• Feeling unusually tired
• Muscle aches & pains
• Loss of taste or smell
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Pain or chest pressure
• Bluish lips on face

If you experience any of these symptoms, out of an abundance of caution, we encourage you to stay home and take care of yourself using the guidelines below.  It’s best to isolate yourself from others until you are sure you are not contagious.  If you have a reservation to come to Sanoviv, and you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, please contact our admissions department to postpone your visit. 

Any Sanoviv staff who may experience these symptoms are instructed to stay home from work.

What are some things I can do to help prevent infection with COVID-19?

As a world leader in integrative medicine, we offer the following recommendations to our guests, friends and followers wherever you may be.  We believe in being prepared, not scared.  And, there are many things that individuals, families and communities can do to help prevent the spread of many communicable diseases, including COVID-19. 

Suggested preventative measures include:

• Wear a mask anytime you are around people outside your immediate household.  Masks should cover your nose and mouth, and be tight enough to not unexpectedly slip down.
• Practice social distancing whenever possible.  This means maintaining at least 6 feet distance from anyone outside your household, whether or not they have visible symptoms.
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, particularly before meals, when visibly dirty, and after using the restroom.  If soap and water are not readily available, use a quality alcohol-based hand sanitizer.  (Please note that hand sanitizer can be toxic for pets.)
• Avoid touching surfaces, then touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• If you, or your children are sick, stay home.  
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and immediately wash your hands.
• Use a humidifier at home. Viral particles cannot travel as far in moist air compared to dry air. 
• Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces. At the same time, try to avoid overdoing Clorox, Lysol, or other potential toxicants, or using them on your skin.  Frequent exposure to toxicants can suppress the immune system. Regular soap and water is best for hand washing.

Lifestyle changes that may help enhance the immune system:

• Eat an organic, whole-food diet. Load up on food and spices with antiviral and immune-supportive properties, including raw garlic, coconut oil, oregano, ginger, kimchi, fermented foods, walnut, pomegranate, apple cider vinegar, and mushrooms.
• Eat a colorful plate loaded with fruits and veggies to get a variety of antioxidants
• Boost your immune system with quality nutrition supplements, especially vitamin C and D.  Herbs such as elderberry and goldenseal may also help support the immune system.
• Avoid processed sugar (in most convenience foods and beverages), wheat, and alcohol, all of which can suppress the immune system.
• Stay well hydrated – pure water is the most beneficial beverage you should drink regularly.  Other healthy beverages include: coconut water, herbal teas, and bone broth.  Drinking small amounts frequently will keep you hydrated better than gulping large quantities infrequently.
• If you tend to get infections easily, consider nasal irrigation with a saline spray 1-2x daily.
• Get fresh air and moderate exercise daily. Moderate exercise can boost the production of immune cells that help fight bacteria and viruses.  It’s okay to go outside, as long as you maintain healthy distances from others.
• Get adequate sleep – increasing sleep can increase white blood cell production.  Loss of sleep, even just a few hours per night, can increase inflammation in the body and decrease immune response.
• Social interaction is important for your emotional well being. Stay connected with loved ones by phone, video conferencing, or other safe communication methods.  Be careful to not isolate emotionally.
• Stay calm – Stress, worry, anxiety, and fear can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to illness.  If you are following the guidelines above to protect yourself, and you are taking steps to enhance your immune system, you are doing all you can.  Take time to relax, breathe, and meditate to avoid unnecessary anxiety or fear. 

Your health is our highest priority and we truly appreciate the trust you have placed in Sanoviv Medical Institute.  We’re taking unprecedented measures to live up to that trust by continuing to make Sanoviv a world-class integrative healthcare facility.  We look forward to serving you.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us directly.

Sincerely,

Sanoviv Medical Institute