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COVID-19 UPDATE - Winter 2022-3

 

COVID-19 continues to place stress on Canada's public health system. For this reason, we are still offering virtual care, in addition to our in-office appointments.  

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As molecular testing (PCR and rapid molecular testing) is prioritized for those at increased risk of severe outcomes and those living and working in highest risk settings, molecular testing is no longer being recommended for all individuals in the community with symptoms of COVID-19. People who have symptoms or test positive on a rapid antigen test and are not eligible for testing are presumed to have COVID-19 and must follow the self-isolation instructions. 

 

Our clinic offers virtual care to make sure that we can continue to care for our patients safely and effectively. This means that we will be using video and audio technologies for some patient visits rather than asking all patients to come into our office. Some of these technologies are provided by the Province. Others have been provided by vendors like Google, or Apple to help make discussions with your care provider as easy as possible during these difficult times. Some health concerns can be addressed with virtual care alone, but in some cases your doctor may ask you to visit the clinic, a hospital, or other health care facility if necessary, for a physical examination.

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We do our best to make sure that any information you give to us during virtual care visits is private and secure, but no video or audio tools are ever completely secure. There is an increased security risk that your health information may be intercepted or disclosed to third parties when using video or audio communications tools. To help us keep your information safe and secure, you can: 

  • Understand that emails, calls, or texts you receive are not secure in the same way as a private appointment in an exam room. 

  • Use a private computer/device (i.e., not an employer's or third party's computer/device), secure accounts, and a secure internet connection.  For example, using a personal and encrypted email account is more secure than an unencrypted email account, and your access to the Internet on your home network will generally be more secure than an open guest Wi-Fi connection.

  • You should also understand that electronic communication is not a substitute for in-person communication or clinical examinations, where appropriate, or for attending the Emergency Department when needed.

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To request an appointment, you can use one of the following methods:

DISCLAIMER:

  • This is strictly for requesting an appointment and we will NOT be providing medical advice by email.

  • As there may be a delay in responding to emails, please do not include time sensitive requests.

  • If you have not already provided written consent for email communications, we ask that you complete the consent form, attach it to your email bring the completed form with you at your next visit.

  • We still prefer that you speak with our staff on the phone to secure an appointment time - you may request this through email initially, but you will be called back to finalize the time. 

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If you feel you have symptoms of COVID-19:

  • perform a home Rapid Antigen test - this is informative and will help decide if you should isolate or not

  • if you are feeling very unwell, please call us or visit a COVID assessment Centre

  • please call and request if you are eligible for the antiviral medication Paxlovid

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AS ALWAYS, IF YOU FEEL YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY, PLEASE CALL 911 OR PROCEED TO THE NEAREST EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

 

As the situation and recommendations are rapidly evolving, we will do our best to keep this information up to date. We ask for your co-operation in helping us implement these changes in order to keep everyone safe and healthy.

 

Resources:

Ottawa Public Health Coronavirus information

 

Ottawa Public Health self-isolation instructions

 

Public Health Ontario self-isolation and disinfecting instructions

 

Ontario College of Family Physicians

 

Sick note for employers

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