Notification about COVID-19/Coronavirus
The COVID-19 strain of coronavirus has caused an outbreak of respiratory infections in most nations of the world. On the 11th of March 2020, COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation. More information about what defines a pandemic, what this means and the COVID-19 virus can be found on the NSW Department of Health website.
Symptoms of COVID-19 infection
It is important that we are all aware of the symptoms of COVID-19 infection.
From the Department of Health website:
Patients may have fever, cough, runny nose, shortness of breath and other symptoms.
In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia with severe acute respiratory distress.
This link contains more information on COVID-19, including statistics, symptoms and methods of avoiding spread of the infection.
Note that the symptoms of COVID-19/ Coronavirus are difficult to distinguish from a regular cold or flu.
Please call your doctor and seek their advice if you develop any of the symptoms listed above.
What COVID-19 means for us
This infection is present in Australia. How infectious COVID-19 is, how rapidly it will spread and how dangerous it is, are not currently completely understood. Many people are naturally concerned about the virus and their risk of catching it and developing the infection. Unfortunately, testing for the virus is very difficult at this time. Only a few pathology centres are able to offer the test, and they are currently overwhelmed by demand, causing prolonged and impractical delays in getting results. We are also entering the normal cold and flu season, and the recent drop in temperatures means that we are all far more likely to catch the regular viruses of the autumn and winter seasons.
The commitment of our clinic
Francisco Clara is dedicated to high standards of infection control. That remains unchanged during this time, with the exception of the following additional precautions:
What we ask of you, our clients:
Please delay appointments if you have returned from overseas travel. Outbreaks are occurring worldwide, so restrictions on treatment following travel must apply to all countries. The recommended isolation time after your return is two weeks.
Please cancel your appointment if you develop any of the following symptoms:
- Fever,
- Cough,
- Runny nose,
- Shortness of breath.
Do you have an underlying lung condition, are you receiving chemotherapy or do you have a low immune system?
At this stage we suggest you delay appointments until we have a better understanding of the spread of this infection.
Our commitment to you:
Francisco Clara is calling everyone who has booked in with us to ask whether they have travelled internationally in the past 2 weeks or if they have any of the symptoms of viral infection. We will ask people who answer either question in the affirmative to delay their appointments.
Francisco Clara has not travelled internationally in the past month, and is not intending to do so in the foreseeable future.
Francisco Clara is aware of symptoms of the virus and will not come to work should he develop these symptoms. This may cause delays to your treatment, and some of your appointments may need to be postponed. We apologise for any inconvenience and will give you as much notice as possible of changes to your booking.
Our hand hygiene practices are currently excellent. We wash our hands regularly and in accordance with the protocols described by Hand Hygiene Australia.
Francisco Clara will be wiping down waiting room surfaces, and chairs regularly throughout the day with neutral detergent wipes – between every client whenever possible.
Francisco Clara will be wiping down our reception area between every visitor with neutral detergent wipes. This includes ETPOS keypads, pens, and shared surfaces. Please feel free to use your own pen if you prefer.
Francisco Clara is keeping up-to-date with releases issued by the Department of Health in relation to COVI-19. We will act according to their directions.
It is possible that Francisco Clara may need to postpone all sessions if advised to do so by the Department of Health in QLD or NSW. If this occurs, we will notify you as promptly as possible.
It is possible that Francisco Clara may need to close the clinic if advised to do so by the government and/or the Department of Health in QLD or NSW.
Please visit this page often, as we will be updating it regularly as new information comes to light.
Your understanding at this difficult and uncertain time is appreciated.
Do not hesitate to call us if you have questions or concerns that you wish to discuss on: 0447 725 360
Your truly,
Francisco Clara