UPDATE: April 27, 2020
 
Limiting of access points remains in effect for all Group Health Centre building sites:  240 McNabb, 170 East Street, 773 Great Northern Road, and 83 Willow Ave. This means there will be only one set of doors accessible when entering and exiting these buildings.
 
Point-of-entry screening also continues at all Group Health Centre buildings.
 
As an added layer of protection we will also be asking all patients, visitors or companions to wear a mask while in the building due to increased community spread of the COVID-19 virus, even if their screen is negative. If you do not bring your own mask, a mask will be provided upon entry to the building at a screening station. Handmade masks are acceptable to wear should you have your own.
 
It is important to understand the effectiveness of handmade masks and how to properly handle them. More information on that can be found here:

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks/instructions-sew-no-sew-cloth-face-covering.html#a3

Group Health Centre is limiting non-urgent appointments in an effort to reduce avoidable patient visits to its facilities. If you have an upcoming appointment, please be aware it may be cancelled or deferred. Patients may also choose to cancel their own appointments if they deem them to be non-urgent. You may also be given the option to have your appointment by telephone.
 
 
While updated guidelines indicate testing is NOT required in most situations, including where mild symptoms are present, you may contact APH at 705-759-5404 to see if testing is appropriate.
 
You will likely require testing if you are experiencing a new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, and/or fever, new runny nose, sore throat, headache, muscle or joint aches. Especially if:
 

• you have recently travelled outside of the Algoma district
• you have been in close contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19
• you have been in close contact with a person with acute respiratory illness who has travelled outside the Algoma District

 
If you meet the criteria above you should stay home (self-isolate) and contact APH at (705)-759-5404 to see if testing is appropriate. You may also call the Sault Area Hospital COVID-19 Assessment Center at (705) 759-3434 at ext. 7152 which is open from 8am to 8pm seven days a week.
 
Any healthcare facility, given its concentration of sick patients, is an area of heightened risk, particularly at this time with the potential for rapid transmission of the COVID-19 virus. As such, to limit risk to yourself and your family members, please consider the necessity of your visit before coming, and consider postponing any non-essential visits. If you are unsure of your risk, please contact your provider’s office.
 
The GHC is working as a community partner in managing this outbreak, and as such operations may be impacted over time in certain areas. We appreciate your patience.

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