Notice regarding the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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 The Health and safety of our staff and patient community has long been our top priority, and recent circumstances have not changed that fact.

Out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of our patients, families, and broader community, our offices are open for emergencies and completing selective cases. Our team will continue to monitor this evolving situation and update you as our goal is to help flatten the curve to keep our society healthy. We will communicate information to you and all of our patients.

We have been carefully monitoring the development of the COVID-19 outbreak, and we want to share some guidance and provide some precautionary health measures, as well as provide you with information about the procedures we are following. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and the Chief Public Health Officer continue to assess the public health risk associated with COVID-19. The prevention and control of infection is standard procedure at our clinics and we continue to follow stringent requirements for cleaning.

We will ask some screening questions before your appointment, and you’ll be asked those same questions again when you’re in the office. 

You may be asked to wait outside in your car and call us when you arrive and then wait for a call back to let you know when you can enter the office.

RECEPTION AND WAITING AREA

• Added a plexiglass screen for reception or enforcing physical distancing with furniture, etc.
• Ensure patients’ ability to maintain physical distancing at reception desk. 
• Regularly disinfect the area after patient contact. Wipe down any tablets, card machines or electronic devices after each use.
• We are limiting the number of patients that are in the waiting room at one time.
• Only children and infirm patients may be accompanied. Accompanying persons will also be screened for COVID-19 symptoms.
• Office has removed unnecessary items. Removed magazines, brochures, toys, etc.
•  Promote hand hygiene, physical distancing and cough etiquette.

 If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, mild or severe: 

• Fever
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing/shortness of breath
• If you have traveled to any of the areas with the ongoing spread of COVID-19
• If you live with someone who has been to the areas with the ongoing spread of COVID-19
• If you have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or who is
• experiencing symptoms similar to the Flu or COVID-19

DO NOT COME INTO THE CLINICS - Contact your local Public Health Authority

What You Can Do to Stay Healthy:

The coronavirus spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. 

While there are currently no specific treatments for the coronavirus; following precautions are recommended:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or into your elbow, not your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Most people with the virus do not require any specific treatment.
• Contact your healthcare professional if you exhibit symptoms associated with the virus. Call ahead before going to your doctor.
• If you have been in close contact with a person who has tested positive for the coronavirus or has recently traveled from an area with the ongoing spread of the coronavirus, contact your healthcare professional or local health department.
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Now more than ever, it is our responsibility to work together to ensure the health of the broader community, and we encourage you to do your part as well. Continue to adhere to recommendations provided from health care experts, and take care of those near you that may require extra assistance during this time.

Thank you for your flexibility, understanding and patience during this uniquely uncommon time, and we look forward to getting back to normal operations as soon as possible!