COVID-19 Resources for Health Care Providers
Health care and allied health workers need to contact either their own health care provider or their occupational health department for return to work guidance.
COVID-19 is a reportable disease under the Health Protection and Promotion Act. Health care providers are required to immediately report all persons under investigation, probable and confirmed cases of COVID-19 to KFL&A Public Health at 613-549-1232 (during business hours) or 613-507-3100 (after hours and holidays). This includes any person who has been tested for COVID-19.
KFL&A Public Health will take actions to protect the public and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
For guidance on exposures in the workplace, please visit our Guidance for Businesses and Workplaces Page
Medical exemption for COVID-19 vaccination
Individuals who have experienced serious adverse events following COVID-19 immunization and those with certain medical conditions that may affect their response to immunization may be eligible for a medical exemption to COVID-19 vaccination.
In general, there are very few situations where the risks outweigh the potential benefits to where the COVID-19 vaccine would qualify as a medical exemption. Most individuals can safely receive COVID-19 vaccines.
- Medical Exemptions to COVID-19 Vaccination (PDF) - Ontario Ministry of Health - Guidance on which precautions to COVID-19 vaccination that may warrant a medical exemption.
As of January 10, 2022, a written medical exemption will no longer be accepted to access businesses and organizations that require proof of vaccination. An enhanced vaccination certificate with official QR code will be required
- Asses your client's eligibility as per the Ontario Ministry of Health Guidance on Medical Exemptions to COVID-19 Vaccination. If your client is eligible complete a Statement of Medical Exemption and have your client complete a Consent Form to share your exemption assessment information with Public Health. The primary care provider is responsible for submitting both documents to KFL&A Public Health. Please fax to 613-549-0985.
- Individuals cannot submit their own exemptions, they must be submitted by their primary care provider. Primary care providers can be an Ontario physician or registered nurse in the extended class.
- The exemption is reviewed by Public Health and if/when the exemption is determined to be eligible, the client information and exemption will be entered into the provincial database (COVaxON).
- The client will be contacted by Public Health to confirm that their exemption has been processed and that their enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code is available to download from the provincial portal.
- Their QR code can then be used at businesses and settings requiring proof of vaccination.
Resources
Vaccination |
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Local epidemiology |
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Screening, testing, and case management for patients |
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Guidance documents |
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Screening and self-isolation for health care providers |
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Environmental Cleaning – Clinical setting |
The Public Health Agency of Canada has developed the following guidance related to environmental cleaning of clinical settings during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.
What to do:Increase frequency of cleaning of high-touch surfaces to control the spread of microorganisms during a respiratory infection outbreak, such as COVID-19. What to use:Environmental cleaning products registered in Canada with a Drug Identification Number (DIN) and labelled as a ‘broad-spectrum virucide’ are sufficient to destroy SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. What to clean and when:All surfaces, especially those that are horizontal and frequently touched, should be cleaned at least twice daily and when soiled. Other considerations:Follow your ‘terminal cleaning’ protocol for cleaning of a patient's room after discharge, transfer or discontinuation of contact and droplet precautions. See Appendix 6 in the Best Practices for Environmental Cleaning for Prevention and Control of Infections in All Health Care Settings, 3rd Edition for a sample ‘terminal cleaning’ procedure. Ensure rooms have minimal equipment or supplies to help facilitate the environmental cleaning process. |
Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) measures for COVID-19 |
| As guidelines are continuously changing, please check the Ontario Ministry of Health website for all updated directives and memos for health care providers.
The Ontario Ministry of Health recommends Droplet and Contact Precautions in addition to Routine Practices for the routine care of any patient with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. All staff that are required to wear personal protective equipment need to be properly trained in donning and doffing. The Ontario Ministry of Health recommends that all patients be screened over the phone for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to their appointment. If in-person, a plexiglass barrier can protect staff from droplet and contact spread. It also recommends that signage is displayed requesting patients with symptoms wear a mask, perform hand hygiene upon entering the office, and practice cough etiquette. Specific IPAC measures include:
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General resources and information for health care providers |
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Signage for health care settings |
Signage for long-term care facilities |
Posters for health care settings |
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Patient information sheets |
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Memos to community partners from KFL&A Public Health |
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Primary Care update: KFL&A Public Health, March 5, 2020 |
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For an accessible version of a resource, please contact KFL&A Public Health