17/03/2020
*COVID 19 PANDEMIC - KEEPING OUR PATIENTS SAFE*
These are unprecedented times for patients, as well as doctors. At the moment, our offices remain open, with our usual opening times. But there are certain guidelines that we will be following to protect our patients, our staff and our families. Your co-operation would be greatly appreciated. Remember to be your brothers' keeper - most of the patients in our waiting room are over 60 or immunocompromised in some way.
1. If you have travelled within the last 14 days, have been exposed to someone who has travelled within the last 14 days, work at the airport or have been exposed to a confirmed COVID patient and are experiencing flu symptoms; kindly call your local health centre. We will not be treating suspect cases at this time.
2. Avoid coming in to the office unless absolutely necessary - a waiting room is technically a crowded space.
3. A temporary hand washing station is set up at the front door, which will also be sanitized by our staff intermittently. There are numerous hand sanitizers distributed throughout our waiting room. Use them on entering and on leaving the office.
4. A separate waiting area will be set up for ALL patients experiencing flu symptoms. Patients will be seen in order of arrival, regardless of their waiting room. As always, our emergencies or very ill patients will be prioritized.
5. Although the COVID test is being performed by some private labs, we will NOT be administering the test at our office. If you think you need to have the test done, then our GP practice is not the place you should be, and you should call the hospital or health centre.
6. Please limit the number of relatives who accompany you to the office - these are all potential carriers or have the potential to be exposed unnecessarily.
Above all else, stay safe and stay clean. Regular flu hygiene etiquette, social distancing, avoiding travel and boosting you immune system are your best bet in these times.