To our patients at the Stratford Family Health Team,

The COVID-19 pandemic is evolving with public health recommendations rapidly changing. The Omicron variant is spreading through the province of Ontario and the number of COVID-19 cases has risen dramatically. As of January 5^th, 2022, the province of Ontario has moved into a modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen in response to the surge in cases and hospitalizations in the province.

The health and safety of our patients and staff at the Stratford Family Health Team remains our priority. We will be offering phone or video appointments to our patients where applicable and we have implemented measures in our office to minimize contact among patients and staff.  If you have COVID-19 like symptoms and are scheduled for an in-person appointment, please do not come to our office. Call SFHT where we will provide guidance around your scheduled appointment.

We have provided some answers below to Frequently Asked Questions regarding the recent changes made to public health recommendations.

What are symptoms of COVID-19?

If you have one or more of the following symptoms, immediately self-isolate (even if you are fully vaccinated) and if eligible, get tested for COVID-19:

• Fever and/or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Decrease or loss of smell or taste

If you have two or more of the following symptoms, immediately self-isolate (even if you are fully vaccinated) and if eligible, get tested for COVID-19:

• Extreme fatigue
• Muscle aches or joint pain
• Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea
• Sore throat
• Runny nose or stuffy nose
• Headache

I have symptoms of COVID-19, what should I do?

You should assume you are positive for COVID-19. You and all household members living with you should immediately self-isolate. If you are fully vaccinated or under the age of 12, you must self-isolate for 5 days and until your symptoms have improved for 24 hours.  If you are not vaccinated, partially vaccinated, or immunocompromised, you must self-isolate for 10 days.

One of my household members has COVID-19 symptoms/is positive for COVID-19, what should I do?

You must immediately self-isolate. If you are fully vaccinated or under the age of 12, you can stop self-isolating after 5 days and when the positive household member’s symptoms have improved for 24 hours.  If you are not fully vaccinated, you must self-isolate for 10 days.

I have been exposed to COVID-19 by someone I do not live with, what should I do?

If you are fully vaccinated you can self-monitor for symptoms for 10 days since your last interaction with the positive case. If you develop symptoms during this time, you must self-isolate for 5 days and until your symptoms have improved for 24 hours.  If you are not fully vaccinated, you must self-isolate for 10 days.

Can I get tested for COVID-19?

PCR testing eligibility has recently changed. Right now, COVID-19 PCR testing is being reserved for high-risk individuals and high-risk settings. Visit this link to see if you are eligible for PCR testing.

There is a high demand for rapid antigen tests. Free rapid antigen tests are being distributed at pop-up locations throughout Ontario. For dates and locations of rapid antigen tests being distributed near you click here.

I am self-isolating and need access to supports. What should I do?

Visit COVID-19: Support for People for more information on isolation supports.

Contact Huron Perth Public Health – 1-888-221-2133 for information on isolation supports available in the community.

For the most up-to-date information on the COVID-19 pandemic, public health restrictions, recommendations, and testing, please visit the Ministry of Health website.

We thank you for your continued support, patience, and understanding as we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office.

Sincerely,

Your Healthcare Team at the Stratford Family Health Team