Civil Surgeon COVID-19 Advisory

As you know, we are experiencing an outbreak of COVID-19, a new coronavirus. Although this novel virus originated in China, it has spread to many countries and there is evidence to suggest the United States may have some community transmission. There is a need for all medical personnel to monitor the global and domestic spread of this infection.

In your role as civil surgeons, we urge you to remain vigilant in taking a thorough travel history and detecting signs and symptoms of this infection among the aliens you examine.

The Medical History and Physical Exam Technical Instructions (https://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/exams/ti/civil/technical-instructions/civil-surgeons/medical-history-physical-examination.html)

contain:

If the examination reveals an acute illness that makes it impossible to determine the alien’s medical status regarding Class A or B conditions, the acute illness should be treated by a physician of the alien’s choice, and the medical examination process completed when the alien has recovered.

This means that if any alien is acutely ill, including persons suspected of having COVID-19, they should seek medical care for their infection and return for their civil surgeon examination when they are well. At this time, CDC does not require COVID-19 laboratory testing as part of the status adjustment medical examination.

Please monitor the CDC COVID-19 and Travelers’ Health websites (below).

CDC COVID-19 website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
CDC Travelers’ Health website: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Source: CDC.gov

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