JULY 2021 UPDATED MASKING PROTOCOLS

Dear Patients,

As the province is lifting the indoor mask mandate as of July 5th 2021, we have reviewed current available evidence and the Government of Alberta statement that “businesses can set masking requirements as they see fit”. We have concluded that we will still be requiring all staff and patients to wear a mask while receiving care in our clinic.

While the vaccination rates continue to increase, the reality is that the pandemic is not over and as a clinic, we must continue to ensure the utmost safety of our staff and patients.

Our clinic provides daily care for infants, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and both unvaccinated and partially vaccinated teenagers and adults. As long as there are active COVID-19 cases in our community, their safety must be our main priority while they are receiving care in our clinic.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is recommending a 75% fully vaccinated rate before removing indoor masking mandates. Therefore indoor masking will remain mandatory in our clinic spaces until:

• 100% of our clinic staff are fully vaccinated (2 doses + 2 weeks)
   

• Alberta has reached the threshold of 75% of eligible people fully vaccinated with two doses (As of July 1/2021, 44.8% of Albertan's age 12+ have been fully vaccinated)

If a patient does not wish to wear a mask in the clinic they will still be assessed, initially by phone, to see if their needs can be met with a virtual appointment. The doctor assessing them can then decide and arrange an isolation room for an examination if required.

We thank all staff and patients for their efforts as we continue our pandemic journey and work towards a normal life for all Albertans.