The President of the province’s Medical Association says the most effective way to control and halt the spread of COVID-19 is one of the oldest preventative medical practices on Earth – quarantine.
NLMA President Dr. Charlene Fitzgerald of Happy Valley-Goose Bay says to this day, self-isolation – a concept as old as public health itself – is the best way to contain any communicable illness.
She says simple measures including quarantine, staying at home, washing your hands and covering your cough has saved millions of lives in a country like China, according to fellow Newfoundlander Dr. Bruce Aylward of the World Health Organization.
Dr. Charlene Fitzgerald says doctors are as concerned as the general public when it comes to exposure to COVID-19.
She recounted the feeling that went through the ER in Happy Valley-Goose Bay on March 14th when they realized the illness was in their midst.
She and the other health care workers on staff immediately began to think about all the fevers and coughs they treated that day and came to the realization; “Oh my God, wow….it’s here.”
Patients who require emergency, or face-to-face medical care are now being asked to call ahead first, and inform medical staff about whether or not they may have come into contact with the illness.
Be up front and honest, and don’t expose others to illness just to see if you might have COVID-19.
Family physicians meanwhile, are making the most of consulting with patients by phone or video link.
