COVID-19

I have implemented several new policies and procedures based on public health guidelines to keep my patients as safe as possible. These include enhanced COVID-19 screening procedures, increased cleaning and disinfection, altering the clinic space as well as wearing a mask throughout the treatment, while asking patients to do the same. 

I have limited in office availability that I reserve for essential in office treatments and necessary physical exams. For those that don’t require in-person visits, I continue to offer virtual care appointments (either telephone or real-time video conferencing). When conducting online video sessions, I  use a secure platform through the practice management software "Jane App" that is encrypted and compliant with both the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). Our Client Care Team is happy to assist patients in setting up an account in order to receive online video sessions. For more information, please visit: https://www.newrootstherapy.com/online-therapy. If you’re not sure if this is right for you, I offer a 15 min free session to introduce you to the online platform and determine if it's a good fit for you and your health concerns.

I understand that online video sessions will be an adjustment from in-person sessions and our in-person sessions will look a bit different than usual, so I welcome any questions or concerns that you may have. My hope is that, by offering this alternative to meeting in-person, you can stay on track with your health goals and care this time. 

Missed sessions with no notice will be subject to our regular cancellation policy: https://www.newrootstherapy.com/fees. However, given the ongoing risk of COVID-19, if you screen positive for any symptoms on the day of the appointment, I ask that you do not come into the clinic and I will waive the cancellation fee. 

Stay well!

1.  Have you had close contact with anyone with an acute respiratory illness or have you travelled outside Ontario in the past 14 days

2.  Do you have a confirmed case of COVID-19 or had close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the past 14 days

3.  Do you have any of the following symptoms:

a.  Fever

b.  New onset of cough

c.  Worsening chronic cough

d.  Shortness of breath

e.  Difficulty breathing

f.  Sore throat

g.  Difficulty swallowing

h.  Decrease or loss of sense of taste or smell

i.  Chills

j.  Headaches

k.  Unexplained fatigue/malaise/muscle aches

l.  Nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain

m.  Pink eye (conjunctivitis)

n.  Runny nose/nasal congestion without other known cause

4.  If you are 70 years of age or older, are you experiencing any of the following symptoms:

a.  Delirium

b.  Unexplained or increased number of falls

c.  Acute functional decline

d.  Worsening of chronic conditions

If you answered YES to any of these questions and have not been tested for COVID-19, you must NOT be seen in-person. Immediately isolate yourself, contact the client care team or your ND to defer your appointment and  call your local public health unit and/or telehealth (1-866-797-0000) for assessment.

Practice good hygiene! Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds. Do this often, even if your hands are not visibly soiled. Do this after coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose, being out, touching anything you don't know is clean. Alcohol based hand rubs (aka hand sanitizer), may be used in between hand washing. 

Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or elbow

Avoid touching your face (mouth, nose, eyes) or only do so after thoroughly washing your hands

Clean and disinfect surfaces, especially those that are high-touch (e.g. door knobs, counters, key boards, etc)

Do not share anything that has come into contact with saliva, nose or throat secretions (e.g. straws, cups, cigarettes, toothbrush, eating utensils, etc)

If you are sick, please STAY HOME, even if it is not COVID-19. Stop the unnecessary spread of germs. Avoid sick people.

Practice social distancing - maintain at least 6 feet (2 arms length) between you and anyone else. 

Follow credible sources for virus and public health updates

https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus#section-6

https://www.durham.ca/en/health-and-wellness/novel-coronavirus-update.aspx#How-can-I-protect-myself