Attention
About COVID-19: Stratford Family Health Team Update
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 5th, 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
For information directly from Huron Perth Public Health’s website please Click Here
HURON PERTH PUBLIC HEALTH:
1-888-221-2133
Resources
Vaccine Exemption Joint Letter Sept 14 2021
HPA OHT Statement on COVID19 Vaccine
HPMVAC Goderich Arena Walk In Clinic Aug 28 poster
HPMVAC Monkton Walk In Clinic Aug 27 poster
HPMVAC Exeter Walk In Clinic Aug 26 poster
August 18 Media Release HPPH Vaccination Update
June 23 2021 Second Dose Eligibility
June 2021 Expanded Eligibility And Clinics
Huron Perth Public Health COVID-19 Vaccine Booking Eligibility Information
Huron Perth Public Health COVID-19 Vaccine Booking Poster
Huron Perth Public Health COVID-19 Vaccine Update March 2021
Huron Perth Public Health COVID-19 Vaccine Update January 2021
Influenza Immunization (Flu Shot) Update November 2020
COVID-19 Mask Exemption Policy Updated October 2020
Joint Statement from Huron Perth Family Physicians
COVID-19 Assessment Services Available for Huron Perth Residents
Government of Canada COVID-19 webpage
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Self Assessment
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vs Cold vs Flu
Helpful Video About Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Info About Masks and Face Coverings
Self-Isolation Guide for Caregivers
Canada COVID-19 App – This app is a central resource for accessing personalized, trusted, evidence-based information about the COVID-19 pandemic.