Please note the following FOUR important immediate changes:

1. “VIRTUAL FIRST”

As of now, we are aiming to do the majority of appointments “virtually first”. If you need to see a doctor, please book a phone appointment first and you and your doctor can decide if a face-to-face appointment is needed next.

We are still “seeing” everyone by phone but there will be no non-essential in-person office visits at this time. Examples of non-essential visits are: chronic disease/check-ups if you have no concerns, meet-and-greets. or prescription refills. But you can still book a phone call to review any concerns you have!

2. DO NOT ENTER CLINIC IF…

…you have been outside Canada in the past 14 days, and/or…

…you have infectious symptoms or concerns about COVID-19 exposure. Infectious symptoms include:

• fever
• extreme fatigue
• muscle aches
• chills
• cough
• runny nose
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• new rash

If you are having trouble breathing or are extremely unwell, and cannot wait for a phone appointment, you should seek emergency health services at Lady Minto Hospital.

3. SAFE IN-OFFICE APPOINTMENTS

If you and your doctor decide that an in-office appointment is medically necessary, the above guidelines will still apply.

You will be required to wear a medical-grade mask in the clinic. We are happy to provide you with one.

Please do bring the following to your appointment:

• Toys and reading material: to keep the clinic safe for all patients, there are none in the clinic.
• Pen or pencil: if you need to take notes.

Please do not bring the following to your appointment:

• Other people: there is limited space in our waiting rooms. If absolutely necessary, one support person will be allowed, but remember: this is for THEIR safety. If they have less exposure, they will stay healthy!

4. WE CANNOT PROVIDE NOTES REGARDING WORK ABSENCE, NOR PERFORM UNNECESSARY OR INAPPROPRIATE TESTING.

As per instructions from the Minister of Health and the provincial Medical Officer of Health, we will not be providing notes for work absence due to illness.

We are NOT performing COVID-19 tests at SSIHC. If you are experiencing symptoms, please call 1-844-901-8442 to book your test.

OTHER NOTES AND REMINDERS

• Please watch our websites for updates and advice.
• The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other respiratory illnesses. They include a dry cough, fever, tiredness, & diarrhea and may involve difficulty breathing. As always, if you are experiencing an emergency, for example, problems breathing, etc., please call 911.
• Social distancing. The most effective way to contain this virus is by limiting our public interactions. We cannot stress this enough. If you do not get this virus now, it means someone else at high risk who does get it can get the health care they need.
• Please do NOT call the clinic to ask if there is COVID-19 on island. This is a pandemic – presume it is in our community & act accordingly. We are NOT able to comment on local cases. Click here for information about local outbreaks and exposures.
• Please remember during these high-stress times to be kind to each other. This includes our clinic staff.

Back to school (and work too)!

The Province of British Columbia has created a helpful guide for students, parents, and staff.

The South Island Division of Family Practice has created some brilliant and easy-to-use flow sheets to help us all through the transition back to school and work.

We recommend printing the charts you find useful and putting them on your fridge for easy access as we enter what will without question be a difficult fall.

1. Worried about the risk of COVID-19 and returning to school?

It’s OK, many are. It may be helpful to read through BC’s Back to School Plan.

2. Think you need a doctor’s note to be absent from school, return to school, etc.?

Please consult this resource before calling clinic: Print this and use as needed. Share with your school or daycare if needed. This document is supported by Public Health and BC Family Doctors, and has been shared with the BCCDC.

3. What to do this Fall if you, your child, or someone in their class/cohort/daycare has symptoms of COVID-19 or tests positive for COVID-19?

Print this out and put it on your fridge.

When reading this, keep in mind that these are the guidelines that work the best for the vast majority. It may be that you choose to do something different. That’s OK in some situations. If you need help, make an appointment to chat with us!

4. What to do this Fall if someone in your house has symptoms of COVID-19?

Print this out and put it on your fridge.

5. Confused about how long to self-isolate if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, have returned from travel, or have a positive COVID-19 swab?

We got that covered too. You guessed it: print this out and put it on your fridge.

Remember, we are here for you! Please make a phone appointment if you have questions!

Good luck out there!

The most important way to prevent COVID-19 is as a community to prevent spread.

• WASH your hands
• Do not TOUCH your face
• Social distancing
  • Avoid public gatherings
  • Avoid routine social greetings (hand shakes, hugs, high-fives …)
• If you have travelled or were in contact with someone who has travelled, consider a two week self isolation. Please phone 811 for more information.
• If you have any symptoms (fever, coughs, runny nose, difficulty breathing), assume you may be infectious and please follow the steps outlined above.

For updated information on travel and quarantine in BC, see these guidelines.