COVID 19 CLINIC SAFETY PLAN

Georgette Whitehead Counselling Services, April 2021

Your health and safety are of the upmost importance. During the COVID 19 Pandemic I have implemented the following Safety Plan, Clinic Protocols and Policies, for your safety and for my own, in accordance with “WorkSafe BC protocols for in-person counselling” and public health authority requirements and guidelines.

COVID Pre-Screening Guidelines:

PLEASE DO NOT ENTER THE OFFICE IF YOU ARE DISPLAYING ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS:

• Fever, chills, new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, new muscle aches or headaches, sore throat
• If you or someone in your household has travelled outside of BC within the last 14 days (note: according to current PHO this may also include if you have travelled outside of Vancouver Island)
• If you are a close contact of a person who tested positive for COVID-19
• Clients must complete these COVID pre-screening guidelines prior to each in-person session

Procedures for your safety:

• If I or any staff have symptoms I will call and cancel your sessions and offer to re-book when it is safe to do so
• The number of in-office sessions daily has been reduced with time between sessions for disinfecting
• Please arrive no earlier than 5 minutes before your session.

Cancelling Sessions, Types of Sessions, Session Booking:

• Virtual sessions (phone or secure video) continue to be the preferred option. Some in person sessions may be available. I ask that only clients who believe they are low-risk attend in-person sessions.

A COVID SURVEY MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO IN PERSON SESSIONS
• In-person sessions: If you need to cancel an in-person session due to symptoms cancellation fees are waived. If you arrive in office and you are showing symptoms, your session will be cancelled immediately, and you may be charged a cancellation fee. If you feel unwell but still want a session, I will gladly switch it to a virtual session.

Safety Policies and Protocols in the office:

MASKS MUST BE WORN AT ALL TIMES

• Please use the hand sanitizer provided upon entering the office space
• All occupants must maintain a physical distance of at least two metres/six feet
• All occupants, including clients and staff will adhere to the “Help Prevent the Spread of COVID-19” poster
• Upon entering you will find a waiting room with appropriately spaced chairs that will be sanitized between clients. The counsellor will invite you into the therapy room for your appointment. Occupancy limits are posted.

Clinic cleaning and Sanitation Procedures:

• All doorknobs, handles, furniture, and commonly touched surfaces will be wiped down between client sessions and frequently throughout the day with COVID approved medical grade wipes or disinfectant
• Washrooms are down the hall. They are cleaned daily. Soap and paper towels are regularly replenished. Clients and staff are required to wash their hands (minimum 20 seconds)
• Disposable cups, bottled water, and individual tissue packages are available

The clinic will keep updated on any changes to the COVID 19 situation as indicated by our BC Provincial Health Officer and WorkSafe BC. Decisions to remain open will be guided by this source.

Thank you very much for working together to keep us all safe