March 13, 2020
To the residents of Bancroft and the surrounding community,
Earlier this week, the World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus — also referred to as COVID-19 — as a pandemic. The local physician group is keeping abreast and preparing for a rapidly changing landscape.
The virus presents with flu-like symptoms, such as a fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath. If you are having flu-like symptoms AND you have traveled out of the country OR have had contact with someone that has tested positive, you may go to North Hastings Hospital for testing. Once you arrive at the hospital, please sanitize your hands, and put on a face mask, then tell the triage nurse you are there for the coronavirus swab.
We are working closely with public health officials to create a swab clinic outside of the ER, and will update you once we have more information.
Wearing a mask as a preventative measure has not been shown to be useful. Masks are in short supply, as such, please leave them for people who need them most. If no mask is available, please keep your distance from others, ideally a minimum of two metres.
Hand washing and sanitizing is your best defense against any infection. Please cough into your elbow. We are also encouraging the community to minimize any non-essential gatherings or events, including hockey games and church. It is also prudent to minimize any non-essential travel.
Thank you for your understanding and help during this challenging time.
Sincerely,
Your Local Bancroft Doctors and the Bancroft Community Family Health Team
