COVID-19 Response and Resources

Please read the following thoroughly before calling the clinic so that we can reduce call volume which is currently very high

We at the Esquimalt Medical Clinic are taking the COVID-19 pandemic very seriously and have changed a lot of procedures and policies to reduce the likelihood of transmission. These procedures will continue to be updated regularly to reflect current guidelines and research. We have developed a comprehensive COVID-19 safety plan which can be found a the bottom of this section.

What to do if you have symptoms of an infection:

Regardless of if you suspect you have been infected with the SARS-CoV-2 or with something else and regardless of your vaccination status, If you have any signs of infection you must first and foremost self-isolate - Do not come to the clinic, do not go to work, do not go to the grocery store, STAY HOME. Please see the Self-Isolation downloads below for more information on how to do so. Note: although the handouts may not be targeted to your exact situation they provide useful information that all members of the public should be following at this time.

Some symptoms suggesting you are infectious to those around you include: Fever, Cough, Fatigue, Shortness of Breath, Sore Throat, Aches and Pains, Runny or Stuffy Nose, Headaches, Sneezing, Diarrhea.

Do not come in to the clinic if you have infectious symptoms. Instead call us at 778-265-4305, or Healthlink BC, at 811 and describe your situation. We will triage you based on this information and determine how best to care for you.

If you have severe respiratory symptoms (eg. difficulty breathing) please instead call 911

Regardless of your symptoms and what you may be infected with, the primary advised course of action is to self-isolate, monitor your symptoms, and use your best judgement. If your symptoms are worsening then please contact us or go to the closest Emergency Department if your case is becoming severe.

Please see the self-assessment tool link below to determine whether or not you should be tested:  https://covid19.thrive.health/ 

For general information about COVID-19 please see the HealthlinkBC and the BCCDC websites:  https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-feature/coronavirus-disease-covid-19 

 http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19 

For numerous other helpful resources on COVID-19 and community supports visit the local community service directory Pathways:  https://pathwaysbc.ca/victoria-southisland 

What the Esquimalt Medical Clinic is doing to reduce any potential transmission in the office:

Our primary strategy at this time is reducing the number of patients coming into the office while still maintaining our capacity to care for all who need it. To accomplish this patients are being diverted to telemedicine where possible. If telemedicine is not an appropriate option to provide for your concern, an in-person appointment may be offered if available. 

If you have been scheduled to come into our office but you then develop COVID-like symptoms, please call us immediately so that we may arrange a solution that does not put others at risk.

See our telemedicine page for more information:  https://esquimaltmedicalclinic.com/tele-medicine 

Some other strategies we are utilizing:

- All staff and doctors are required to wear adequate Personal Protective Equipment when speaking with    patients. 

- In-office assessments are being spaced apart from each other as much as possible. 

- Disinfection of exam room surfaces after use.

- Decreased use of the waiting room.

- Reduction or removal of all possible sources of contact transmission such as magazines and clipboards. 

- Doctors and Staff have all been immunized against SARS-CoV-2.

You will not be admitted if you are exhibiting infectious symptoms. Medical grade face masks are provided at the door and are mandatory.