COVID-19 UPDATE
AUGUST 31, 2021
1. SELF-ASSESSMENT SCREENING
Admission to any facility should include a negative self-assessment screening. Measuring temperatures in people who do not report feeling feverish is probably not worthwhile. The latest Ontario MOH Updates to Screening and Self-Assessment Tools August 27, 2021 is at: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment
Linked are recent screening updates that I thought you might want to see. If we can assist with your programs to prevent and manage COVID-19 please contact us.
2. COVID-19 IMMUNIZATION
We are able to obtain COVID-19 vaccine, without cost, for community immunization. This would work like the “flu clinics” that we’ve provided for more than a decade - the government supplies the vaccine, the employer pays the cost of administration. At present vaccine is readily available from family doctors and local clinics and since the majority of people have already had two doses, a workplace clinic is likely not cost effective. However, when the government gives approval for routine booster doses, having an on-site clinic would be worthwhile. If you’re interested in updates, please let us know.
3. MASKS
Mask mandates are still in force. Legitimate medical exemptions are extremely rare. Most people who claim to be too sick to wear a mask should be confining themselves to their homes. Seiden Health is pleased to review letters requesting accommodation. Ontario update August 20, 2021 is at:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/face-coverings-and-face-masks
4. COMPULSORY IMMUNIZATION
Effective rates of immunization are the only current hope we have to eradicate COVID-19. Legitimate contraindications for vaccination are very rare. Many of the requests for exemption are written by health practitioners based on the patient’s beliefs, not on science. Agreeing to mandatory frequent screening tests is expensive (PCR tests are in the $100 plus range and less expensive antigen tests are unreliable).
As a person can be spreading COVID days before symptoms occur the screening tests have limited value. Considering that fully vaccinated people with no symptoms may be spreading the virus, it is clear that immunization should be mandatory for anyone who wants to interact with other people, whether they wear a mask or have daily rapid testing. Seiden Health is available to assist you with your vaccination requirement protocols.
5. CURRENT SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH COVID-19
A current list of symptoms most commonly associated with COVID-19 can be found here:
6. ON-SITE FLU IMMUNIZATION CLINICS
Influenza immunization this year should be a priority for people of all ages. Regardless of the COVID-19 situation, protection against influenza is a must. It is possible to be infected with COVID and Influenza simultaneously. Please let us know if you’re interested in hosting an on-site clinic and how many people we should plan to order vaccine for. It is permissible to have family attend your clinic. If you have any questions contact Brenda Corpuz at 416-804-5956 or email fluclinic@seidenhealths.com.
If you are interested in more information on self assessment screening, hosting an immunization clinic, vaccination requirement protocols, or have any questions or concerns about COVID-19 in the workplace, please feel free to contact us.
Stay positive
Test negative
Howard Seiden
MD, MSc, FCFP, FIAIME
