Now that cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed across Australia we would like to share our plans to support you in this unique time.
>> Please read our latest information update here.
If you have scheduled in-person appointments but are concerned about traveling outside of your home, we encourage you to still attend.
We have implemented several additional hygiene procedures to prevent the spread of all infections, including COVID-19. Upon entering the practice hand sanitiser is available and face masks if needed (these are not the specified viral face masks as they are no longer available). We strongly encourage all entering the clinic to follow the principles of hand hygiene and use of person protective measures.
Those experiencing the following symptoms are advised to notify reception by phone prior to arrival:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- If you have been in close contact with any persons with a confirmed COVID-19 infection.
- If you have travelled outside of the Australia to any of the Level 2 or 3 Countries as advised by the Department of Health, NSW. https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200301-sitrep-41-covid-19.pdf?sfvrsn=6768306d_2
If you have these symptoms, on arrival you must wait outside the front door and a receptionist will come out and bring you directly to a room, please do not come into the waiting room as there is a chance you could infect other patients. Those suspected of possible contraction or exposure to COVID-19 will have their temperature taken and will have a swab done to determine the diagnosis. Our doctors are fully briefed in performing appropriate specimen collection and testing procedures.
IMPORTANT
If you have a fever and sore throat and are mildly unwell please come to Invitation to Health for assessment and testing. If you are more unwell and especially if you are short of breath and feel that you may have a chest infection go directly to hospital where you will be assessed.
For more information from NSW Health, please visit their website HERE. This site is regularly updated and best source of up to date information.
We would also like to take a moment to ease your concerns. The team at Invitation to Health are very aware of the facts about Coronavirus and continue to stay abreast of all of the latest information provided from NSW Health. We are committed to providing the highest quality of care for our patients, and we have many tools to help protect you and your family.
How to keep yourself healthy and less susceptible to viral infections (including Covid-19)
- Wash your hands before eating, cooking or touching your face. It seems that washing with warm soapy water is the best to remove viruses, but hand sanitiser is also a good option.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth – especially if you have not washed your hands. These areas are the entry points for this virus.
- Stay home when you are sick unless you need medical attention, this avoids exposing others to what you have
- Cover your mouth with your elbow or a tissue when you cough and sneeze – then throw the tissue away and wash your hands
- Stay at least 2 metres away from anyone who is obviously sick
- Irrigate your nose after exposure to a sick person – saline nasal spray, neti pot etc, this helps to clear the virus from your nasal mucosa, where it is more likely to make you sick, and then your digestive system can take care of it!
- Eat well, rest well and get regular outdoor exercise
- And don’t worry!! Stress has a profound effect on our immune system and can leave us more vulnerable to catching a virus.
Remember that the majority of people who catch COVID-19 will have a mild to moderate illness. Those at higher risk for a more severe illness are people over 60 with multiple chronic illnesses, in particular cardiovascular disease.
Please come and see your doctor if you are concerned about your risk. We inform all our patients by newsletter when the influenza vaccine arrives, there is no vaccine yet for the COVID-19 (Corona) virus. If you are not currently receiving our newsletter, you can register at the bottom of the page.
If you are concerned or suspect you may be at risk, please contact the clinic or 02 4322 0700.
3rd March 2020
