Health facilities using screening to protect patients/residents
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care instructed all long-term care homes to begin screening of all visitors as information on COVID-19 suggests the elderly are at increased risk.
In response, local facilities are now screening everyone with a questionnaire that includes information about recent travel and recent illnesses.
Espanola Regional Hospital communications director, Terri Noble, says the process protects the long-term residents, so everyone, including staff, is being actively screened.
Elliot Lake’s St. Joseph’s General Hospital CEO Pierre Ozolins says a preparedness plan is now in place and is asking anyone who is not feeling well to not visit residents or patients.
The North Shore Health Network, which oversees facilities in Blind River, Thessalon and Richards Landing are also asking people to curtail their visits, especially if they have travelled recently.
Screening is also in place at long-term and hospital facilities on Manitoulin Island including Gore Bay, Mindemoya, Little Current and Wiikwemikoong.
Anyone feeling unwell is asked to call Telehealth Ontario, their local health provider or present themselves in the emergency department where the staff is set up to deal with potential cases.
ESPANOLA REGIONAL HOSPITAL PROTOCOL:
· Screening everyone who is wanting to enter the home, including visitors, staff, volunteers, students etc according to the MOH guidelines, have a staff member who is the screener at the entrance to the home
· Visiting hours are from 8 am to 8 pm
· All families/next of kin and residents have been made aware of screening and importance of keeping our residents safe
· Should they have any questions they are to call the home or the numbers below
· Should they be symptomatic they will be denied entry and requested to call their health care provider or Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000) or the Sudbury and District Public Health Unit (1-866-522-9200)
ELLIOT LAKE FAMILY HEALTH TEAM PROTOCOL:
With the evolving nature of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), it is important to note that the risk of contracting COVID-19 is quite low in Elliot Lake (unless you have recently travelled to a high-risk area or have come into personal contact with someone known to be infected).
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath.
If you are experiencing these symptoms AND have travelled recently OR have been in contact with someone with COVID-19 then please call the ELFHT at 705-461-8882 so someone on our team can assess you over the phone.
Please do not come to the Family Health Team or go to the emergency room as you run the risk of spreading this illness. In most cases, we can provide assistance over the phone. Of course, if you are experiencing a medical emergency with severe symptoms then please call 911.
It is important that we avoid panic. The best ways to minimize your risk of infection are to wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your face and avoid unnecessary public contact.
MANITOULIN PROTOCOL: The Manitoulin Health Centre is monitoring the COVID-19 situation as it continues to unfold.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
If you suspect you have symptoms call your primary care provider or Telehealth Ontario for medical advice. Be sure to mention your symptoms and your travel history, including the countries you recently visited.
If you’re intending to visit the Emergency Department on Manitoulin with respiratory issues, please call ahead to Little Current at (705) 368-2300 or Mindemoya at (705) 377-5311.
When entering the emergency it’s important to follow the instructions related to COVID-19 including wearing a mask while waiting or receiving treatment. The hospital staff are asking visitors who are not feeling well to stay home.
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL:
The number of cancellations and bans on assembly is rising, as “social distancing” becomes the latest tool in the fight against the coronavirus.
The Ontario government is cancelling school for the two weeks following next week’s March break and other provinces have banned large gatherings.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be in isolation at home for the next two weeks, after his wife, Sophie, tested positive for the coronavirus.
There are now 141 cases reported across Canada.
Ontario has confirmed 17 new infections, the largest one-day increase since the outbreak began.
The province’s total now stands at 59.
B-C now has a total of 46 cases, Alberta, 19 while Quebec is reporting 13.
There’s one diagnosis each in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and New Brunswick, while a positive diagnosis has been reported in one of the hundreds of Canadians repatriated from abroad.
More than 130-thousand cases of the coronavirus have been reported, world-wide.
In South Korea, hard-it by the virus, officials report the number of people who have recovered has exceeded the number of new cases for the first time.