CORONA VIRUS

COVID 19 UPDATE

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From:  Dr. Donald Jones

           Chief Medical Officer

           Members Health Inc.

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March 21, 2020

 

The numbers of persons with confirmed COVID-19 continue to increase in Ontario, Canada, and the world, except in Wuhan, China, where the disease originated.  For several days now, there have been no new cases of COVID -19 in that city, showing what can be achieved by social distancing and self isolating.

 

Some of this increase is due to more people being tested, some due to Canadians returning home from elsewhere, and some is related to an absolute increase in disease prevalence.

 

Each of us can change our habits to minimize further COVID-19 spread, most of which is by direct contact, by doing the following:

 

-  self isolate at home for 14 days if you have traveled outside of Canada in the past 2 weeks

-  avoid crowds

 - practice social distancing;  a minimum of 2 meters away from other people, both inside and outside

- do NOT go to work if you feel unwell.

 -  work from home when possible

- if you develop a cough, difficulty breathing, and/or a fever, get tested for COVID-19

 

The solution to this pandemic will require an effort from all of us every day.

  

Donald Jones MD FRCSC

Chief Medical Officer

Members' Health  

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March 13, 2020

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  Earlier this week, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Covid-19 a world wide pandemic.

 

 Numbers of confirmed cases are rapidly rising throughout the world, particularly in Europe. there are now 66 in Ontario, 19 of which are new.

 

It is now recommended that one NOT travel to any country in Europe, unless absolutely necessary, and the USA has as of today, stated it will not admit non-US citizens travelling to the USA from Europe.

 

 It has now been proven that transmission of this virus is by DROPLET, not by inhalation of the virus itself.

 

 Sneezing and coughing are prime examples of droplet transmission, so we should all be extremely careful about containing our coughs and sneezes in our sleeve or in tissue, and disposing of same carefully.

 

 We should continue to avoid contact with persons known to have tested positive for COVID-19, and to avoid crowded areas as much as is possible. 

 

 As well, SOCIAL DISTANCING, meaning ensuring at least 1 metre of distance between ourselves and others is strongly recommended, where possible.

 

 The Ministry of Health of Ontario introduced dedicated screening centres this week in the GTA( The Ottawa Hospital, William Osler Health Centre at the Brampton Civic site, MacKenzie Health in York Region/Richmond Hill, the Scarborough Hospital Network, North York General Hospital and Trillium Health Partners at the Credit Valley and Mississauga Hospital sites).

 

More such screening/testing centres are to open elsewhere in the province shortly.

 

 I cannot over-stress how important FREQUENT hand washing with soap or alcohol-based hand cleanser is, as is the cleaning/ disinfecting of cooking surfaces and washroom surfaces with common cleaning agents.

 

DP Jones MD FRCSC

Chief Medical Officer

Members' Health

 

MARCH 6, 2020

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As of noon on Friday, March 6, 2020, there have been 49 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Canada, including 26 in Ontario, the majority being in the GTA.

 

 While these numbers are current, they will continue to increase.

 

Older persons, and those with chronic diseases, such as Diabetes, COPD, Kidney Failure, etc, tend to contract more serious COVID -19 disease, and, to date ,have a lower likelihood of survival.

 

 Individuals who develop a dry cough, shortness of breath and fever, should contact their local Health Department, and /or go to their local hospital Emergency Dept. for assessment and testing. 

 

 Persons with chronic health  problems, and who take medications for same, should strongly consider contacting their pharmacy in order to have sufficient supplies of their medications on hand.

 

D.P. Jones MD FRCSC

Chief Medical Officer

Members Health

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March 1, 2020
 
 In the past week several things have changed regarding the above virus and it's spread.
 
 Worldwide, there are now over 85000 confirmed cases, of which approximately 80,000 are from China.
 
 Other countries, including Iran, Italy and South Korea,  have seen a significant increase in confirmed cases as well.  
 
 19 cases are confirmed in Canada, 11 of which are in Ontario, all in the GTA.
 
 There is no specific treatment for this viral disease, but vaccines are being developed and will require testing before being available for use on humans.
 
 Older age groups, (75-80 and over), have the highest mortality, followed by persons with chronic disease, such as diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
 
 More and more patients DO NOT have a travel history, indicating that direct transmission by physical contact with someone carrying the virus is occurring.
 
 The best way to prevent getting this disease is to wash one's hands FREQUENTLY with soap and water, or with alcohol - based  soap/cleanser.
 
 One should also avoid contact with persons known to have tested positive for Corona virus, OR who have visited Iran, Italy,  South Korea or China, in the past 2 months, as they may be carriers.
 
 Also, it may be wise to reconsider travel by air or ship (e.g. cruises), for the near future.

If you have questions or concerns: 

Please call us at Tel 1 800 484 0152. 

Or go to www.Members-Health.com on your phone, and click, the Phone or Chat buttons at the bottom.

 

"Our Doctors & Specialists are here for you and your family 24/7.  Please do not hesitate to contact us."

 
 D.P. Jones MD FRCSC
 Chief Medical Officer
 Members Health Inc.

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