COVID-19 UPDATES
SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 MAY INCLUDE:
fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, painful swallowing, runny nose, nasal congestion, loss of sense of smell, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, or loss of appetite. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please take a home test to confirm if you are positive or not.
We DO NOT do testing at the clinic.
If you've tested positive and:
• you have symptoms – self-isolate for 5 days from when your symptoms started
• you have not had symptoms – self-isolate for 5 days from when you had the test
If your respiratory symptoms worsen and you are seeking a medical assessment, please contact our office and speak to your family physician. You can also call 8-1-1 to speak with a registered nurse to help answer any health-related questions.
For the latest information on the virus, please visit:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19
COVID-19 SAFETY PLAN
From the beginning of the pandemic, we have implemented clinic policies to protect our patients and staff. As we expand services, many of these policies will remain in effect and are summarized below. Our complete safety plan is available upon request at the clinic. Guidance for this safety plan is based on documents from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia, Worksafe BC, Doctors of BC and the Ministry of Health.
How we protect you and us:
Staggered staff and physicians present in the clinic at one time for social distancing
Plexiglass barriers at reception
The use of personal protective equipment, PPE, including masks, gloves, eye protection and in some cases gowns
Exam rooms are cleaned and disinfected between patients
Majority of patient encounters will be done virtually and after a phone or video consultation, the physician will decide whether you need to come into the office to be examined
Any required payments are recommended to be done by touchless/tap methods
High touch areas are disinfected at least twice daily
Staff and physicians self-screen for fever or other symptoms of Covid-19 and will not come to work if ill
Clinic is sanitized daily at end of the day
How you will protect yourself and us:
Do not come to the clinic if you feel sick (e.g. fever, cough, sore throat or trouble breathing). Make a virtual appointment or attend one of the Covid-19 testing centres or local emergency rooms. Complete a Self-Assessment.
Medical masks in clinic are mandatory
Practice excellent hand hygiene by cleaning your hands often
Avoid touching your face, mouth, nose and eyes
Practice respiratory etiquette (sneezing/coughing into your elbow)
Maintain a physical distance of two metres in common areas such as elevators and waiting areas
Stay in your car or outside until your appointment time
Only one person allowed in an exam room except for required caregivers