COVID-19 Newsletter - Apr 13
Dr. Jensen & Dr. Wilson’s COVID-19 Update April 13th 2020
A COMMUNITY RISING TO THE CHALLENGE!
Rising to the Challenge: Saving Lives
This crisis is revealing the essence of our identity as a community. You are not just concerned about our closest family and friends. You care about each person and each family and are doing your part for humankind. You are rising to the challenge that remains the same as when we started: to save lives.
Saving lives by flattening the curve
As of today, our local curve looks good. According to Durham Region Public Health, Uxbridge has ten COVID-19 cases. We have been encouraged by this low number and by the efforts of each of you to wash your hands, stop touching your face, wear cloth masks outside, self-isolate when sick, and practice physical distancing. You are making a difference. Please hold the line and do not waver now.
Saving lives by protecting our most vulnerable
The leaders and staff of our seniors’ facilities are doing everything in their power to keep our seniors safe. Our community has made and distributed over 790 cloth masks for our seniors and other vulnerable groups to use. You are finding creative and safe ways to stay in touch with and encourage those who are at the highest risk.
Saving lives by getting ready
The Township of Uxbridge and local physicians have spent the last three weeks working with a special emergency task force of our own community members to plan for a temporary field hospital for Uxbridge. This facility would be made operational only if needed. Preparing for this has been a true community effort, and we all have been deeply moved by and grateful for the response of this community to volunteer to serve if needed; make masks for seniors and volunteers; and donate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Rising to the Challenge: Protecting Your Health
Just because we are in the midst of a pandemic, you should not neglect your health needs out of fear visiting a clinic or hospital. Heart attacks need to be treated. Appendicitis needs to be operated on. Broken bones need to be set. Allergic reactions are an emergency. If you are wondering what to do, ask yourself: “If I had this symptom a year ago, what would I have done?” If the answer then was, “call 911,” then the answer today is still “call 911.” Don’t let fear of COVID-19 get in the way of your health.
Caring for non-COVID health issues
1. The Emergency Room
If you are having a serious concern or an emergency or accident, do not hesitate to come to the emergency room. Our door is always open. Our doctors are on duty. We have safe protocols in place to attend to you while protecting you from COVID-19.
2. Your Family Physician
Family physicians like Dr. Doobay are booking virtual appointments and have safe processes in place for children requiring immunizations and for pregnancy visits. If you cannot reach your physician, you are welcome to call the Uxbridge Health Centre (UHC) at 905-852-1009 and speak to the physician on call. There will be a physician available Monday - Thursday 9:00am-8:00pm, Friday and Saturday 9:00am-1:00pm.
3. Pediatric Clinic
Dr. Mohile is running a virtual pediatric walk-in clinic on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. Call 905-852-1009 for an appointment.
4. Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000)
Telehealth has significantly expanded services and welcomes your calls. They can now refer you to a 24/7 virtual physician or they may refer you to a COVID-19 assessment centre if you have concerning symptoms.
Caring for COVID-related health issues
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Start by completing the COVID-19 self-assessment, which will help you determine how to seek care.
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If you are still unsure or cannot access the COVID-19 assessment tool, call Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000) or your family physician.
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If you cannot reach Telehealth or your family physician, call UHC (905-852-1009) and speak to the physician on call Mon. - Thur. 9:00am-8:00pm; Fri. and Sat. 9:00am-1:00pm.
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If you are having difficulty breathing or experiencing other severe symptoms of COVID-19, call 911 immediately or go to your emergency room.
Thank you, Uxbridge, for caring enough about one another to rise to our collective challenge. Staying home is not an easy thing to do, but be encouraged that it is working. On behalf of all of us on the frontlines, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for doing your part to defend our community and save lives. And thanks for the rocks outside our ER.
Carlye & Jennifer
Dr. Carlye Jensen is the Chief of Uxbridge Cottage Hospital
Dr. Jennifer Wilson is the President of Uxbridge Health Centre
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Links
Uxbridge Community COVID-19 Response: https://saintpauls.ca/covid-response/
Durham Region Public Health COVID-19 Updates: https://bit.ly/3edZwBF
COVID-19 Self-Assessment: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/#q0
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