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COVID-19 Updates and Resources


March 2022: The most up-to-date information on COVID-19 and COVID testing, assessment, and vaccination can be found on the KFL&A Public Health website (https://www.kflaph.ca/en/index.aspx)

You can see the recording of KCHC family physician Dr. Mary Rowland’s online info session on COVID-19 vaccines here.

In-person visits

If you have an appointment booked on-site, please remember that you should not attend if you have COVID-19 symptoms or are concerned you may have COVID-19.

If you are attending an in-person visit, please wear a mask to your appointment. If you don’t have a mask, please ask at the screening desk, as we have some masks to give to visitors who need them.

Here is some helpful information about mask-wearing.

Here are instructions to make your own three-layer, non-medical masks.

Virtual visits

Virtual care means that we will be using electronic communications for some patient visits rather than asking all patients to come into our office. Some of these technologies are provided by the Province. Others have been provided by vendors such as Google, or Apple to help make discussions with your care provider as easy as possible during these difficult times. Some health concerns can be addressed with virtual care alone, but in some cases your doctor may ask you to visit a hospital or other health-care facility, if necessary, for a physical examination.

We do our best to make sure that any information you give to us during virtual care visits is private and secure, but no electronic communications tools (such as audio, video, email, text) are ever completely secure. There is an increased security risk that your health information may be intercepted or disclosed to third parties when using such electronic communications tools. To help us keep your information safe and secure, you can:

• Understand that electronic communications (such as audio, video, email, text) you receive are not secure in the same way as a private appointment in an exam room.
• Use a private computer/device (i.e., not an employer’s or third party’s computer/device), secure accounts, and a secure internet connection. For example, using a personal and encrypted email account is more secure than an unencrypted email account, and your access to the Internet on your home network will generally be more secure than an open guest Wi-Fi connection.

You should also understand that virtual care is not a substitute for in-person communication or clinical examinations, where appropriate, or for going to an Emergency Department when needed (including for any urgent care that may be required).

If you are concerned about using electronic communications for virtual care, you can ask our office to attempt to arrange a potential alternative. However, please note that visiting a health care provider in person comes with a higher risk of coming into contact with COVID-19 and the possibility of spreading the virus.

By providing your information, you agree to let us collect, use, or disclose your personal health information through video, audio, email, or text communications (while following applicable privacy laws) to provide you with care.

Information and resources

Masking

Here is an infosheet on mask-wearing.

Multilingual resources

Ottawa Public Health has a comprehensive list of multilingual COVID-19 resources (https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/public-health-topics/multilingual-resources.aspx)

Here is a list of multilingual COVID-19 resources from Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Mental health resources

Wellness Together Canada is a federal government initiative recognizing the strain that COVID is putting on people’s mental health.  It provides some online modules and the possibility of connecting live with trained mental health professionals.

Bounce Back Ontario is a free, skill-building program managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association. It is designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression and anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered over the phone with a coach and through online videos, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to mental wellness.

Family violence resources

Luke’s Place provides support for women dealing with family violence and their service providers. It has created a list of updates and resources about family law and COVID-19.

Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) has waived all legal and financial eligibility for domestic violence survivors. This accommodation will remain in effect until further notice. LAO has more information about domestic violence and the law on their website.

Resources for youth and their caregivers

Here is a document outlining different ways we can help our kids express and manage their feelings during the COVID-19 pandemic. And below are some additional links on this topic.

How to talk to children about COVID-19.

Canadian paediatricians talk about COVID-19 and your child.

Ottawa Public Health document about physical distancing and youth.

Ontario Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health: Support for parents/caregivers discussing COVID-19 with youth.