WE’RE OPEN: COVID-19 (coronavirus) update

No doubt you’ve heard a lot about coronavirus on the news lately. We’d like to take this opportunity to assure our patients that we are very mindful of your health and safety and continue to practise high levels of hygiene in the practice. This includes frequent hand washing and cleaning of equipment, prompt replacement of linens and use of single use paper dressing towels as needed. We follow the guidelines provided by our Australian Physiotherapy Association and Queensland Health, who provide daily updates as more information on COVID-19 comes to hand.

Sandra Day | owner, physiotherapist and pilates instructor at Stafford Physiotherapy Centre

Due to the concerns of COVID-19, we have added extra stringent precautions. Between appointments and classes we will be paying extra attention to cleaning all high touch areas including fixtures, such as door handles, and exercise equipment. You will be encouraged to wash your hands before and after your appointment or class and clean the equipment as you go. We can assist you with this and can provide gloves if required.

ALL PATIENTS AND CLASS ATTENDEES

If you are showing any signs of illness we ask that you postpone your appointment to ensure the health of our team and other patients. If you have symptoms of cough, sore throat, fatigue or shortness of breath we are happy to waive the applicable late fee. Similarly, our team will not be working if showing any signs of illness and, in this instance, we may need to reschedule your appointment. We appreciate your support. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

WHAT IS COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS)?

COVID-19 or Coronavirus is part of a large group of viruses known as Coronavirusus. Coronaviruses can cause illnesses such as the common cold as well as more severe conditions such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

Symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever, flu-like symptoms such as coughing, sore throat and fatigue and/or shortness of breath. The virus is most likely spread through close contact with an infectious person, contact with droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze, or touching objects or surfaces that have cough or sneeze droplets from an infected person and then touching your mouth or face.

WHO IS MOST AT RISK OF CONTRACTING COVID-19?

In Australia, the people most at risk of getting the virus are those who have recently travelled to or transited through China, Iran, Italy and the Republic of Korea and those in close contact with them.

HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOURSELF?

To help protect yourself from contracting or spreading COVID-19 and other viruses such as the cold and flu, be sure to practice GOOD HYGIENE. This means:

  • Washing your hands often with soap and water. (Follow this hand washing technique).
  • Covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or a when you cough or sneeze, and dispose of the tissue immediately.
  • Maintaining at least 1 metre distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing and sneezing.
  • Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Viruses from your hands can enter your body through these and make you sick.

Most importantly, stay at home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing contact your usual medical centre for advice on seeking medical attention. If you have been diagnosed with Coronavirus, isolate yourself in your home and wear a surgical mask to protect others if you need to leave home to seek medical attention.

Check the following sources for up-to-date information:

Australian Government Department of Health
World Health Organisation

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