No images? Click here MEDICAL ADVISORY: Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update #9Issued by: Gayane Hovhannisyan, MD, MPH, PhD, FRCPC, Associate Medical Officer of Health (Acting) Niagara Public Health Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Info LinePublic Health (PH) nurses are available to work with you and your patients seven days a week from 9:15 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Niagara Health COVID-19 Assessment SitesNiagara Health has set up COVID-19 assessment centres in Niagara Falls and St. Catharines. The assessment centres are by appointment only.
Self-Isolation Recommendations (*Significant Change)Anyone who travelled outside of Canada and has mild respiratory symptoms that DO NOT require hospitalization; AND DO NOT meet the testing priority groups (listed above), should be sent home on self-isolation for 14 days *from the onset of symptoms OR 24 hours after cessation of symptoms, whichever is longer Specimen Collection and TransportPlease notify Public Health if you are testing a patient. Please ensure you then send the patient home to self isolate and manage prescription(s) or other needs in a way that assumes the patient has COVID-19.
Alternative specimen collection kits Public Health Ontario (PHO) Laboratory has done a limited evaluation on the following specimen collection kits, which can be used for collection of nasopharyngeal specimens for COVID-19 testing:
Note: Nasal or naso-pharyngeal swabs are preferred but a throat swab is accepted. For more information on specimen collection, contact the lab or refer to the Public Health Ontario testing guidelines. Specimen Transport
Physician Services during a Public Health Emergency
Dr. Hirji’s COVID-19 Response and Preparedness Webinar (Tuesday March 17, 2020)
Niagara Region Website for Health Care ProfessionalsA list of frequently asked questions to support primary care professionals is now on our website. We will be updating the FAQ section as new questions arise throughout this evolving pandemic. |