Coronavirus Updates

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