Have you noticed a shift in COVID-19 precautions at doctors' surgeries?
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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. Those who object are 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 sanitised at both ends of the operation.
"Sanitising 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 straightforward 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.)