Kincardine medical clinic, family health team prepare for COVID-19

The World Health Organization has declared the COVID-19 viral disease (coronavirus) a pandemic. As part of containment preparedness, the Kincardine Family Health Team, the Kincardine physicians and the Hawthorne Community Clinic are reviewing aspects of their operation that will experience interruption as they transition resources to pandemic response.

A press release, issued Thursday by Gerry Glover, chief executive officer, on behalf of the Brockton Area and Kincardine Family Health Teams, states that 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 60 days.

“We are reviewing strategies that may enable access to primary care providers for consultation via telephone and/or a secure on-line platform,” states the press release. “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 as 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,” states the release. “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 who are ill, may be asked to stay at home for up to two weeks.

“If you have travelled out of the country, or have been exposed to someone who has been out of the 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: the 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 hospital 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 upon whom you can call 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."