covid-blogue

COVID-19: Follow the Recommendations

The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic is drastically changing our lifestyle. In these times of crisis, it is important to adopt safe behavior for the good of all.

Be sure to follow all recommendations made by the government as well as by public health agencies. The population aged 70 and over is particularly affected by this pandemic, since the risks associated with the virus are higher. The same goes for people who have a weaker immune system or a pre-existing condition.

Here are some extracts from the instructions and directives issued by the Government of Quebec:

Health recommendations for everyone

  • Wash your hands often with soap under warm running water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not available.
  • Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette:
    • Cover your mouth and nose with your arm to reduce the spread of germs.
    • If you use a tissue, dispose of it as soon as possible and wash your hands afterwards.
  • If you are sick, avoid contact with more vulnerable people, including older adults and people who have a chronic disease. For example, avoid visiting people in hospital, people living in residential and long-term care centres or in private residences.
  • Avoid direct contact when you greet someone, such as shaking hands, and use alternative ways to greet people.

Every individual has their part to play to reduce the risk of spreading viruses.

Masks are not an effective means of protection for the general public. Their use is indicated more for patients who are suspected of being infected and for the health professionals who are providing care for them. You can watch the message from Dr. Horacio Arruda  (French only), Québec Director of Public Health, on the topic.

If you are worried or anxious about the coronavirus, you can contact the toll-free line 1 877 644-4545. To help you minimize the repercussions of these kinds of reactions on your life, see the Stress, Anxiety and Depression Associated With the Coronavirus COVID-19 Disease.

Avoid non-essential travel from one region to another or from one city to another

All Quebecers are being asked to avoid travelling from one region to another or from one city to another, except where necessary. Such travel should be confined to trips for medical reasons and work when teleworking is not possible.

Voluntary self-isolation  for 14days is recommended for anyone returning from abroad on or after March12,2020. Returning travellers must be vigilant and monitor themselves for symptoms.

Businesses that deliver goods from abroad in Québec do not have to ask their employees to temporarily self-isolate.

Self-isolation  is mandatory for all public service employees and health care, education and daycare workers, both private and public, returning from abroad. Public sector employees will continue their treatment during the isolation period.

Individuals who are returning from outside Canada and are in self-isolation at home must abide by the advice indicated below.

Stay at home

  • Do not go to school, to work, to a childcare centre or a day care centre or to any other public space.
  • Do not use public transport.
  • Postpone all non-urgent medical appointments.
  • Do not receive visitors at home.

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In case you did not already read it, here's our official notice concerning the COVID-19 situation:

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Following the recommendations made by the government, we are obliged to reduce our activities to the bare minimum. We will only deal with urgent cases. Thus, all patients wishing to make an appointment at our clinic for the first time or a follow-up appointment must contact us in April.

For our patients aged 70 and over, you do not need to call us to postpone your appointment. We will contact you later to set a new date with you.

In addition, all accompanying people must remain outside the clinic.

Please note that we do not accept any patient with symptoms of flu, cough, fever or conjunctivitis. Nor people who have traveled in the past 2 weeks or who have been in contact with people suffering from symptoms associated with COVID-19. We also ask people who are immunosuppressed, suffering from an autoimmune disease or diabetics not to come to our clinic.

For any information request, contact us at contact@igmtl.com.

Thank you for your understanding.