The Upper Canada Family Health Team physicians, nurse practitioners and allied health

professionals are at work in their practices and want the community to know that we are

here for them. We know some people still have concerns about going to their Family

Physician's office or going to the Emergency Room during this challenging time. We want

to emphasize how important it is that you are receiving ongoing care from your usual

primary care provider team and attend the emergency room if it is a clear EMERGENCY. 

Also, it is essential during that you continue to address your medical issues with your

family physician, especially if you have a chronic condition.  If you have a health issue of 

any kind, please phone your family physician's office as you would normally do.

​​

​

While the Upper Canada Family Health Team is open their regular business hours, we still have some temporary changes in the way we deliver your care to help ensure your safety along with the safety of our staff:

1.  When you come into the office for an appointment, we ask that you please wear a cloth mask (or something equivalent) if you have one, if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• A new or worsening cough

• Fever

• Chills

• Shortness of breath (worse than normal)

• Severe headaches (worse than normal)

• Unexplained muscle aches

• Unexplained extreme fatigue

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Rashes

If you do not have your own mask, one will be supplied to you which you will be required to wear;

​​

2.  If your employer has requested a sick note, please print the “Letter to Employers”.

​

In order to help reduce the spread of the COVID-19, other respiratory illness, or communicable  diseases we ask for your continued help.​

• Call your physicians office if you need an appointment for your cold symptoms.

• If you are concerned about symptoms of COVID-19, you can go online to check your symptoms on Ontario's COVID-19 self-assessment tool.

• Doctor's offices do not currently test for COVID-19. If you meet the criteria for testing on the self-assessment tool, you should go to the nearest assessment centre:

• Please visit the Government of Ontario's website for details on Testing Eligibility and Clinical Assessment Centre locations

​

​If you are looking to obtain your COVID-19 test results:

• You can see your results online at https://covid19results.ehealthontario.ca:4443/

  • You will need your Health Card number to access them.

• If you have not been contacted about your results within 7 days and do not have access to view your results online, please call the Health Unit 1-800-660-5853 extension 2222

​

If you have questions related to COVID-19 you can:

• Call the Provincial Testing and Isolation Information line at 1-888-777-0730

• Check on-line for current information on COVID-19 at https://healthunit.org/coronavirus/

​

Key Messages about COVID-19:

Because this virus spreads so easily – we all need to do our part to slow and reduce the spread so our healthcare system is not overloaded. This means:

1. Get all COVID-19 vaccines you are eligible for, including booster doses.

2. Stay home if you are sick – even if your symptoms are mild.

3. If you have symptoms take a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) if possible, or a PCR test if eligible.

4. Practice respiratory etiquette (like coughing into your elbow) and wash your hands frequently.

5. Wear a well-fitted, three-layer mask in all public indoor settings if you have symptoms of COVID-19, other respiratory illness, or communicable diseases.

6. If you test positive or have symptoms, even if they are mild, you should stay home (self-isolate) until:

1. your symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if you had nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea) and

2. you do not have a fever and

3. you do not develop any additional symptoms

4. or as otherwise advised by current isolation guidance. Individuals can be infectious for up to 10 days, so it is important that for an additional five days you wear a mask when outside your home and avoid those who are most vulnerable and high-risk settings like hospitals and long-term care.

​

All the measures combined will help to reduce other respiratory infections, including influenza that is circulating in our community.