COVID-19 Building Entry Policy

Building Entry Policy

Intent

This policy was developed to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 at St. Lawrence Optometry and the Kingston community. The precautionary measures have been developed using advice and information obtained from the World Health Organization and the Government of Canada.

Responsibilities

All persons on site at St. Lawrence Optometry (both locations: Concession Street or Innovation Drive) should ensure they understand and comply with the infection prevention policies and practices outlined within this policy.

Hand Hygiene

●Any person entering the building will sanitize hands immediately upon entry (hand sanitizer located on the wall in the entryway vestibule).

●If someone is in the entryway when you arrive please wait outside the door until that person has left,then you can proceed inside and sanitize your hands.

●Any person entering the building will be required to wear a mask throughout their visit and use any necessary personal protective equipment as directed. If you do not have a mask please return to your car and call us so a staff member can provide you one.

●Avoid touching your face (specifically your eyes, nose, and mouth) as much as possible.

●Cover your mouth when coughing, sneezing, and yawning by doing so into the bend of your arm, not your hand.

●Avoid touching surfaces people touch often.

●Instead of a handshake, give a friendly wave or elbow bump.

Social Distancing

●Keep a distance of at least two metres between you and anyone else, exception given when patient contact is needed when performing tests or fitting glasses.

●Limit any necessary personal proximity to others that is closer than two metres to the shortest time possible, to facilitate this all patient information will be updated over the phone before the appointment. This includes health card number, phone number, home address, email address,medication list, etc. A full history will be taken by a dedicated staff member the day before the patient’s exam.

Denied Entry

If you have a symptom of COVID-19 or think you might have such a symptom, do not come to your appointment. It is critical that if you have at least one symptom of COVID-19 (fever, cough, or difficulty breathing) or even mild symptoms, you must stay home to avoid spreading illness to others. Mild symptoms may be similar to a cold or flu. If you have been out of the province within the last 14 days you will not be allowed to enter the building regardless if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or not.

Additional actions you should take include:

●Immediately isolating yourself to prevent any possible spread of COVID-19;

●Contacting your local public health authority and follow their advice;

●Notifying the clinic (you will not be charged a fee for this cancelation);

●Remain away from St. Lawrence Optometry until you have been advised to return by your public health authority, normally after a minimum of 14 days.

You need to self-isolate if you:

●Have symptoms, even if mild, associated with COVID-19;

●Have been diagnosed with COVID-19;

●Are waiting for laboratory test results after being tested for COVID-19;

●Have been advised to self-isolate by your regional public health authority.

Self-isolating means:

●Staying home until the regional public health authority says you are no longer at risk of spreading the virus;

●Avoiding contact with others.

If your symptoms worsen, immediately contact your healthcare provider or public health authority and follow their instructions.

Assessment Resources

If you are having difficulty breathing or experiencing other severe symptoms, call 911 immediately. Advise them of your symptoms and travel history.

If you are concerned about COVID-19 exposure, you can use an online self-assessment tool to determine whether you are likely infected. Please visit the appropriate provincial government websites for self-assessments.

Disclaimer

St. Lawrence Optometry is following all guidelines set out by the College of Optometry and the Government of Canada to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, some patients with COVID-19 have no visible symptoms and therefore there is a risk of contracting the virus anytime you go outside of your own home. I understand and acknowledge this risk.