COVID-19 Update

Mar 14, 2020

Kensington Medical Clinic is open and operating under normal business hours. We are continuing to care for our patients.

If you have a scheduled appointment, please plan to keep this appointment unless you are experiencing symptoms like fever, cough, congestion, sore throat, runny nose or shortness of breath. If you are a patient who is experiencing these symptoms, please email us for further instruction.

We are providing Telehealth visits for patients and children as available. Please see our website to book, or email us if you prefer.  Telehealth visits can be particularly useful if you are a high risk patient (ie: over 70, chronic health issues), have no need for physical examination, or  if repeat prescriptions are needed.

Below are frequently asked questions related to COVID-19 as it relates to our patients and community. The FAQs below are subject to change based on the receipt of more current information. The information on this page is subject to modification, pending guidance from the CDC, Canadian Public Health Officials, and WHO.

Can I bring children and family members/caregivers to my appointment(s)?

Please avoid bringing family members to the appointment. If needed for safety or history, please have only one additional adult person to your appointment(s).

What should I do if I have cold or flu symptoms?

If you have active symptoms, such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath, or other respiratory symptoms including congestion or runny nose, please email us to discuss the appointment. We will provide guidance about whether you should come to the clinic or wait until your symptoms are gone.

Which patients at greater risk of contracting COVID-19?

People who are older (particularly over 70) and people with underlying health conditions, such as chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease and cancer appear to be at higher risk for major complications.

Are patients screened for respiratory symptoms?

Yes, patients are being screened for symptoms of respiratory illness at the entrance to the clinic.

Should I wear a mask in the clinic?

You should wear a mask in the clinic if you have respiratory symptoms or a fever.  If worn correctly, masks can help decrease the spread of respiratory viruses and bacteria.

If my family members/caregivers and I do not have a fever or respiratory symptoms, should we wear a mask in public?

No, if you don’t have symptoms, there is no need to wear a mask, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Masks are intended to prevent patients who are showing symptoms from spreading disease to others.

Should I be worried about getting infected with COVID-19 at Kensington Clinic?

We are doing everything we can to ensure the health and safety of our community. We have protocols and systems in place to keep patients, visitors and healthcare workers safe, such as screening patients over email and upon entry to the Clinic.

Have there been any COVID-19 exposures at Kensington Clinic?

As of March 17th, we have not had any cases of COVID-19 in the office – no staff have been infected and we have not had any positive patient testing.

Is SCCA testing patients for COVID-19?

Patients identified as high risk during our screening that testing are being sent to a separate office at the present time.

Is there anything I can do to keep myself, my family and friends safe?

The most important steps to take are the same as for every cold and flu season:

  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Practice good hand hygiene and cough and sneeze etiquette.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Plan how you will take care of sick family members. Make plans for childcare if you are sick or if your child is sick. Have a thermometer at home so you can check for fever if you or a loved one feels ill.
  • Try to get a few extra months’ worth of your prescription medications, if possible.
  • Stay informed – check the CDC site regularly for new updates.

 

Sincerely,

Kensington Medical Clinic Management

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