Have you noticed the shift in COVID-19 precautions at doctors' surgeries around the Nambucca Valley?
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At Valla Beach Health Dr Fi Lam and her staff are taking no risks, asking people to sanitise and mask up upon entering ... patients who refuse are being asked to leave.
"We have had some patients who refuse and we have had to turn them away," Dr Lam said.
"We explain, in writing, that masks are necessary because it is simply too risky for our at-risk patients. If patients do not put their masks on, they can leave airborne viruses thus putting the next immunocompromised patient at risk of catching something.
"We want patients to understand that it is not always about them. We say they will have to seek another doctor who will allow them in without a mask."
Masking up step-by-step:
Dr Lam said she and her staff now work behind sneeze guards, wearing N95 masks that only come off to have a drink or eat ... with hands sanitized at both ends of the operation.
"Sanitizing before you put the mask on is vital, otherwise you could be wearing a mask you have yourself contaminated ... and you must not touch the inside or the edges of the mask, use the straps.
"It's pretty straight forward really - clean your hands first, then deal with the mask."
And now for something to make you smile ....
Click on the video below and enjoy this PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) reminder:
(This video was made available courtesy of Royal Melbourne Hospital. Disclaimer: it is not a formal education video; it was done in a light-hearted way to remember what PPE is needed.)
And some interesting research from Finder.com, August 18:
"Despite the prevalence of new cases of COVID-19 in recent weeks some Australians still aren't on board with wearing a mask.
"The new survey of 1,000 respondents found that 15 per cent of Aussies (not living in Victoria) said they won't wear face masks as a way to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
"That's equivalent to 2.9 million Australians (not living in Victoria) not wearing a face mask if another wave of COVID-19 hits."
Finder continued that according to the World Health Organisation masks should be worn in public where social distancing is not possible to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
Face coverings were made compulsory for everyone in Victoria on August 2, whenever they leave their home.
If Victorians don't comply, they could be fined $200.
The data showed 97 per cent of Victorians said they are wearing face masks in public, after it was made compulsory.