According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) as of March 11, 2020 there are 103 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Canada of which 42 are in Ontario.  1 person has died.  PHAC considers the public health risk associated with COVID-19 to be low for the general population, but there is an increased risk of more severe outcomes for Canadians who:

• are aged 65 and over
• have compromised immune systems
• have underlying medical conditions

The goal at the moment is to contain the virus and to do that WE NEED YOUR HELP. 

BEFORE YOU COME TO THE CLINIC:

• if you have a surgical mask please bring it with you to the appointment
• if your appointment is not urgent, think about re-scheduling it for later this year
• if you are running out of medication, please ask the pharmacist to give you an additional amount.  If they are unwilling to do that, please ask them to fax the clinic
• if you still need to see a healthcare professional, please send a message via the portal or call us instead
• if you have a cough, fever or difficulty breathing; please call the clinic.  DO NOT COME BEFORE CALLING
• if you are sick, stay at home if possible.  If you need a sick note for your employer, we have a letter that we can email you which should be acceptable

IF YOU COME TO THE CLINIC:

• you will be questioned when you arrive
• you will be given a surgical mask if you need one
• try and stay 2m (6ft) away from other people
• do not touch any surfaces

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth unless you have just washed your hands
• Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or into your arm, not your hand.  Also, make sure to wash your hands afterward
• Avoid visiting people in hospitals or long-term care centres if you are sick
• Get your flu shot if you haven’t already

If you are planning on travelling over March break, the Government of Canada has posted advice here:  https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/latest-travel-health-advice.html

For more information about COVID-19 click on the links below:

• Eastern Ontario Health Unit: https://eohu.ca/en/my-health/2019-novel-coronavirus
• Ottawa Public Health: https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/novel-coronavirus.aspx
• Public Health Agency of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html