No images? Click here MEDICAL ADVISORY: Retesting Previously Positive PatientsIssued by: M. Mustafa Hirji, MD, MPH, FRCPC, Medical Officer of Health & Commissioner (Acting) Niagara Region Public Health & Emergency Services (NRPH&ES) has been receiving an influx of patient calls to the COVID-19 information line. Callers are indicating that their health care provider has asked them to be re-tested following a positive test result, before returning to the health care provider’s office. Asymptomatic Testing or Re-testing is Not Recommended
Clearing Positive COVID-19 Cases NRPH&ES is working closely with all cases and close contacts of all laboratory confirmed COVID-19 cases in Niagara. Individuals who previously tested positive for COVID-19, generally can discontinue isolation after 10 days from symptom onset (or 10 days from positive test collection date if patient is asymptomatic), provided that the individual is afebrile (without the use of fever-reducing medications) and symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours. Absence of cough is not required for those known to have chronic cough or who are experiencing reactive airways post-infection. For more information, please see the Ministry’s document on COVID-19 Quick Reference Public Health Guidance on Testing and Clearance. Personal Protective Equipment The proper use of personal protective equipment is critical to keeping both clinicians and patients safe. Given community spread of COVID-19 in Ontario and evidence that transmission may occur from those who have few or no symptoms, masking (surgical/procedure mask) for the full duration of shifts for health care providers, and other staff working in direct patient care areas, is required. If two metre distancing cannot be maintained during your patient interaction, goggles/face shield must be worn in order to prevent a high-risk exposure. Additional PPE is to be worn based on your risk assessment. COVID-19 Primary Care Info-Line Reminder: The primary care COVID-19 information line is open Monday to Friday, 9:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 905-688-8248 press 7, and then press 1 for physicians. Public Health Resources To prevent the spread of COVID-19, follow environmental cleaning and disinfecting recommendations for COVID-19 for health care settings and Public Health Ontario's guidance on cleaning and disinfection for public settings. Public Health Ontario’s Infection Prevention and Control Assessment for Primary Care, Specialty and Walk-in Clinics during COVID-19 checklist provides guidance, supports and resources for:
Follow the Ministry of Health's COVID-19 Guidance for Primary Care Providers in a Community Setting for a summary of required precautions. |