The province’s Health Minister says drive-through COVID-19 assessment centres will be established in three of the provinces health regions.
John Haggie says those identified by screening and after consultation with public health will be given appointments for these testing centres. Each region will have a number of them.
Haggie says the exact locations will be worked out over the course of the coming days, and drive-through locations minimize exposure of public and staff to any risk.
#NLhealth first ever declaration of a Public Health Emergency. @HCS_GovNL pic.twitter.com/QNofgChh6m
— John Haggie (@Johnrockdoc) March 18, 2020
As for the Labrador-Grenfell Health region, Haggie says they may have to do things slightly differently due to things like geography and weather. He states they will be done on the basis of recommendations from public health and testing.
Labrador-Grenfell, Western and Eastern Health have already started on assessment centre, while Haggie says Central Health should start by Monday.
Virtual Care for Patients Now Being Offered
Patients can now visit their doctors through video conferencing or telephone to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The provincial government says virtual care will help improve access to doctors during a very uncertain time.
“Physicians are on the front lines during this pandemic to ensure their patients receive the care they need,” says President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association, Dr. Charlene Fitzgerald.
“Telephone and video visits will allow doctors to continue to provide excellent care, while reducing the risk of exposure of COVID-19 for themselves, their staff and their vulnerable patients.”
Some participating doctors may need time to implement the needed technology, and patients calling to book appointments will be informed whether their doctor is offering virtual care.
The province reminds patients virtual care may not be appropriate for all visits.
Prescription Refills
Prescription refills through pharmacies will now be for 30 days.
Health Minister John Haggie announced new measures in response to concerns over a drug shortage amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
Haggie says they are aware that wholesalers, for reasons they are exploring, are being cautious with their drug supplies.
He says they are looking at ways to support seniors and people on drug cards who would otherwise have to pay an unusual amount of dispense fees.
Haggie advises anyone that wants a prescription renewed to call ahead to their pharmacy as there are certain categories of medication that automatic script renewal may not be appropriate, like antibiotics and controlled drugs.
Some pharmacies have expressed an ability to manufacture hand sanitizer and Haggie says they’ve cut through the red tape to make that happen.
