March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 viral disease (coronavirus) a pandemic. As part of containment preparedness, we are reviewing aspects of our operation that will experience interruption as we transition resources to pandemic response. It may be necessary to limit and/or restrict access to the medical clinic and family health team, potentially for a period of up to sixty (60) days.
We are reviewing strategies that may enable access to primary care providers for consultation via telephone and/or a secure online platform. We are proactively engaging community pharmacies to ensure that to the extent possible, patients experience no disruption to medication refills.
Many routine and non-urgent family practice appointments, as well – family health team programs and services are subject to cancellation or interruption. Your providers office and/or the family health team will initiate contact to patients as appropriate.
As a pandemic, there is definite potential for the virus to enter our community. We are urging the community to prepare and to exercise social distancing to avoid events or gatherings to limit potential exposure. Most people will not require hospitalization and will be able to recover at home. Close contacts of those ill may be asked to stay at home for up to two weeks.
If you have travelled out of country, or have been exposed to someone who has been out of country, and/or if you start having symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, cold, malaise), isolate yourself from others as quickly as possible and immediately contact: Grey Bruce Health Unit Coronavirus Information Line at 519-376-9420 ext.: 3000; or the Family Health Team Coronavirus Information Line at 519-396-2700 ext.: 220 or the South Bruce Grey Health Centre – Kincardine Site at 519-396-3331 ext.: 1, to report symptoms and to receive triage over the phone.
To further protect those around you, wash your hands often and cover your mouth and nose with your arm when coughing or sneezing.
Some helpful guidance to our patients would include:
· Make plans for the care of children or other dependents in case you are ill or in the event of school closures.
· Fill your prescriptions and have a supply of over the counter cough, cold and fever medications to help with symptoms.
· Gradually build up a two-week supply of household items such as non-perishable food, canned foods, frozen fruits and vegetables, and pet food.
· Make a contact list of friends, family and neighbours whom you can call upon to help, such as drop off food or supplies, and for whom you can do the same.
· Adhere to good hand hygiene and cough etiquette.
