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?

  1. Follow your local Public Health guidelines
  2. Keep a distance of 2 meters (6 feet) from others
  3. Practice excellent hand hygiene
  4. Wear a face covering in indoor public spaces
  5. 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?

  1. Keep up to date with and follow all your local Public Health guidelines.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

COVID-19

Masks

Toronto Public health COVID fact sheet

COVID 19: Mandatory Mask or Face Covering Bylaw – City of Toronto

Sick Kids Hospital

COVID-19

Canadian Pediatrics Society

COVID-19 and your child

American Academy of Pediatrics

COVID-19

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