
COVID-19
COVID-19 Update
Dear Midtown families,
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues through its 5th month, we hope this letter finds you well. Again, we want to thank you for your patience, understanding, and support as we all try to navigate our way through this uncertain, unsettling, and constantly evolving situation. At Midtown Pediatrics, we are constantly monitoring the latest on the virus, the pandemic, and the response of government and public health agencies. Our top priority is to continue providing the highest quality of care in the safest possible environment. In this letter, we hope to update you with our current policies and procedures aimed at continuing to care for your children and keep everyone safe. We also offer some helpful links to keep you informed on the virus and how to help your children cope.
What is the best way to stay safe?
- Follow your local Public Health guidelines
- Keep a distance of 2 meters (6 feet) from others
- Practice excellent hand hygiene
- Wear a face covering in indoor public spaces
- Stay home if you’re sick
What are we doing at Midtown Pediatrics?
- We are still here for you
We continue to offer virtual appointments (either by telephone or video-conference) as much as possible, particularly for most check-ups, counselling appointments, and same-day sick appointments.
We continue to offer in-person appointments to those children who need to be seen in person, ie. newborns and infants and children requiring immunizations. Some other children are also seen in person, based on the evaluation of our physicians.
- Screening
Everyone is screened for COVID before arrival at the clinic. Only clinic staff, patients and caregivers who screen negative are permitted in the clinic. If you are coming into the clinic, you will receive a phone call prior to your appointment to answer a comprehensive list of screening questions.
- Physical distancing
In clinic, all doctors, nurses, staff and patients must keep a physical distance of 2 meters (6 feet) as much as possible.
We continue to minimize the number of patients in the clinic and avoid using the waiting room. Patients are placed directly into a room upon arrival.
Only one caregiver is permitted to accompany the patients to their appointments. Siblings without an appointment should stay home.
- Masks
In accordance with the latest scientific evidence and City of Toronto Manditory Mask or Face Covering by-law, all patients over the age of 2, caregivers, and clinic staff must wear a mask at all times.
- Hygiene
All patients, caregivers, and clinic staff must sanitize their hands upon entry to the clinic.
All toys and books have been removed from the waiting room.
All examination rooms are cleaned with medical-grade cleaner after each patient leaves.
What can you do?
- Keep up to date with and follow all your local Public Health guidelines.
- If you have an in-person appointment, please arrive on time or no more than 5 minutes early. We will not be able to accommodate late-comers.
- Please sanitize your hands and your child’s hands upon entering the clinic.
Hand sanitizer is provided at the front desk and in all examining rooms
- Wear a Mask
My mask protects you and your mask protects me.
Masks are mandatory at all times for all patients over 2 years of age and all caregivers during your visit to Midtown Pediatrics.
Masks must be worn properly over your mouth and nose.
Masks with vents are not permitted. They allow infectious droplets to escape and do not protect others from COVID-19.
As we all continue to navigate these challenging times, know that we continue to be here for you. You can reach us by email ([email protected]) or phone 416-489-3273.
Also, please note that we are constantly revising our clinic’s policies and procedures based on the current local COVID-19 situation and that they may change at any time. We do our best to keep you up to date with major changes.
Stay safe,
Midtown Pediatrics Team
Useful links
Toronto Public Health
Masks
Toronto Public health COVID fact sheet
COVID 19: Mandatory Mask or Face Covering Bylaw – City of Toronto
Sick Kids Hospital
Canadian Pediatrics Society
American Academy of Pediatrics
Coping during the pandemic
Sick Kids COVID-19 learning hub
How to help youth tackle the blues during COVID-19 and #physicaldistancing
READ We’re here for you during COVID-19 (novel coronavirus)
Parenting during COVID-19: A new frontier
Helping your child cope with Anxiety – The CARDSystem
Canadian Pediatric Society COVID-19 and your child