Social distancing has been in place for several weeks now and it’s working.
That’s the message staff at the Oceanside Health Centre and family practice clinics in the area are expressing to the community.
Physicians, nurses, and Island Health staff recently issued a public thank you to the people of Parksville Qualicum Beach and area for practising excellent social distancing.
Dr. Drew Digney, medical director of the Oceanside Health Centre, confirms that the numbers of COVID-19 cases in Parksville Qualicum Beach are among the lowest of all communities on Vancouver Island. He attributes this to the vigilance of the community in listening to the Health Officer’s instructions, staying home, and following the social distancing rules.
“From all the staff at OHC Urgent Care, we want to thank our community for everything you are doing and we recognize the huge disruption this is causing to everyone,” said Digney. “Your individual actions are combining to make a huge difference in the impact COVID-19 is having on your co-workers, friends, neighbours and families. We appreciate the 7 p.m. pot bashing and honking during the drive-bys at OHC and we want to raise our pots and pans to all of you. We are all in this together and you are doing your part brilliantly. Thank-you so much and please keep it up.”
READ MORE: Parksville doctor hopes information will give patients some peace of mind
Dr. Mark Morris, family physician at the Parksville Medical Clinic and co-chair of the Central Island Division of Family Practice, wants to ensure that our communities stay safe and healthy, which also means continuing to address regular medical issues with your family doctor or nurse practitioner.
“I have heard from the membership of the Division of Family Practice, your GPs and NPs, how much they appreciate our communities in taking all the precautions to keep themselves, family members and ultimately the community safe,” said Morris. “It is your co-operation and diligence that is helping us be successful during a challenging time. Thank you from the division to our communities!”
While many people might be staying away from clinics out of fear or worry, it is easier than you might think to see your primary caregiver. All our area’s physicians and nurse practitioners are now providing virtual visits via video or phone. And if an in-person visit is needed, area clinics will arrange that, too, in a way that is safe for them and their patients.
If you think you might have symptoms of Covid 19, any physician or nurse practitioner can order a test for a patient with cold, influenza or COVID-19-like symptoms based on their clinical judgment. If you think you might have symptoms, call your physician or nurse practitioner.
If you do not have a primary care provider, please call Island Health’s Call Centre at 1-844-901-8442 to be assessed to determine if you need testing.
Appointments for COVID-19 testing must be pre-booked through a primary care provider or Island Health’s Call Centre - testing sites are unable to accommodate unscheduled or walk-in visits.
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter