COVID-19 (2019 Novel Coronavirus)

Health-care Providers

Gradual Reopening

Effective March 21, 2022

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Long-term Care & Retirement Home Providers

Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes should contact their infectious disease representative at Lambton Public Health with any questions or concerns regarding COVID-19 or other infectious diseases.

View more information and guidelines for long-term care and retirement homes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to find up-to-date COVID-19 information for health-care providers?

The Ontario Ministry of Health has produced guidance documents on COVID-19 for a number of healthcare partners and sectors. Please review this page frequently as the guidance for the healthcare sector is updated regularly.

Public Health Ontario has compiled COVID-19 scientific data and technical information, general information, as well as resources for health professionals and specific settings. 

Ontario COVID-19 Data tool provides the most recent COVID-19 data including: daily case counts, hospitalizations and deaths (Case trends), total or recent cases counts by age and sex, map by public health unit, source of COVID-19 infection (acquisition), outbreaks and laboratory testing

What are the current infection prevention and control (IPAC) recommendations for COVID-19?

Public Health Ontario has developed a checklist for Infection Prevention and Control Key Principles for Clinical Office Practice During the COVID-19 Pandemic, and updated IPAC Recommendation for Use of Personal Protective Equipment for Care of Individuals with Suspected or Confirmed COVID‑19

Where can I access screening tools for COVID-19?

The Ontario Ministry of Health has a COVID-19 screening checklist to support Health Care Providers in their screening practices for all patients.

The Ministry of Health also developed a COVID-19: self-assessment tool to help members of the public determine how to seek further care.

Passive screening in the form of signage is part of the guidance for health-care facilities. Signs are available to download for both patients and visitors. 

Who should be tested for COVID-19 and where?

For more information on who should be tested and the management of cases see the Ministry of Health Management of Cases and Contacts of COVID-19 in Ontario.
 
Public Health Ontario COVID-19 testing information
● For more information on locations, hours of testing centres, and booking appointments,  see the Lambton Public Health COVID-19 testing web page.
● COVID-19 Test Requisition

Guidelines & tips for operating your primary care practice during COVID-19

To help provide your patients with the most appropriate care at the most appropriate time the Center For Effective Practice has compiled information for Primary care Operations in the COVID-19 Context, as well as testing and isolation requirements for healthcare workers. 

Visit OntarioMD for resources and tips on how to provide virtual care.

When should health-care workers stay home or return to work?

Refer to the  Ministry of Health Management of Cases and Contacts of COVID-19 in Ontario for the latest guidance on contact management and isolation.

Where can patients access care for urgent medical needs other than the hospital?

Rapids Family Health Team Access to Care Centre continues to be open for episodic medical conditions (e.g., urinary tract infections, ear aches, rashes, etc.). If a patient is unwell and can’t get in touch with their primary care provider, they can access care during the following hours:
Monday thru Thursday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday 8am-noon
CALL 519-491-6188

Other medical clinics that may host an after-hours clinic.
Walk-in or Virtual Medical Clinics for Sarnia-Lambton

I am concerned about my mental health, where can I find resources that can help me cope?

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has provided access to mental health and addiction supports for health care workers that may be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These resources are available here.

Vaccine information for Healthcare Providers

Health Canada has authorized several COVID-19 vaccines in Canada. For more information on each authorized vaccine visit the government of Canada’s approved COVID-19 vaccines list.
• All Ontarians aged 6+ are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. For more information visit our COVID-19 vaccine page for updates.
Becoming a COVID-19 Vaccine Administrations Site
• Ontario MD provides COVaxOn Training for Primary Care Practices.
• Health Canada has developed COVID-19 Vaccine-Relevant Information and Planning Resources for Health Care providers.
The Centre for Effective Practice (CEP) provides COVID-19 vaccine clinical and patient resources. 

Resources

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