Sickness & COVID-19 guidelines

1. Purpose & Scope

Effective date; 16th August 2023

The purpose of this policy is to outline the procedures and guidelines to be followed Restore Prehabilitation & Recovery to ensure the health and safety of both our clients and staff, specifically in relation to sickness and COVID-19. This policy covers the management of sickness symptoms, prevention of COVID-19 transmission, and adherence to the latest guidelines issued by the New Zealand Ministry of Health as of 15th August 2023.

Further details of COVID-19 can be found at https://covid19.govt.nz

 

2. Sickness Management

2.1. Clients

  1. Clients who are feeling unwell, displaying symptoms of sickness, or have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 are advised to refrain from visiting the clinic.
  2. Clients experiencing any symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, or any other flu-like symptoms are required to reschedule their appointments.
  3. Clients are encouraged to notify the clinic as soon as possible if they are unable to attend due to sickness, ideally no less than 48 hours prior where-ever possible.

Should an individual arrive for their scheduled appointment symptomatic, without prior discussion with clinic management, the session will be cancelled and the individual maybe liable for the full costs of their session as per our Terms & Conditions.

2.2. Staff

  1. Staff members who are feeling unwell, displaying symptoms of sickness, or have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 must stay home and not report to work.
  2. Staff members experiencing any symptoms mentioned above must follow the clinic’s sick leave policy and notify their supervisor as soon as possible.

3. COVID-19 Prevention Measures

3.1. Hygiene

  1. Due to a significant number of immune-compromised attendees, clients and staff are requested to practice good hand hygiene by washing hands thoroughly with soap and water or using hand sanitizer provided by the clinic upon entry and throughout their visit.
  2. Tissues and no-touch disposal receptacles are available throughout the clinic, and individuals are encouraged to use tissues when coughing or sneezing and to dispose of them appropriately.

3.2. Face Masks

  1. As of 15th August 2023, face masks are no longer mandatory as per the latest Ministry of Health guidelines. However, clients and staff who wish to wear face masks are welcome to do so, even if you are well.

3.3. Cleaning and Sanitization

  1. High-touch surfaces, equipment, and frequently used areas will be regularly cleaned and sanitised to minimize the risk of cough, cold, flu and COVID-19 transmission.

3.4. Physical Distancing

  1. While physical distancing is no longer required as per the latest guidelines, clients and staff are encouraged to be mindful of personal space and respectful of each other’s preferences.

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4. Communication

4.1. Information Dissemination

  1. Clients and staff will be informed of this policy through various communication channels, including the clinic’s website, social media, and on-site signage.
  2. The latest Ministry of Health guidelines related to COVID-19 can be found here and this policy updated as necessary.

4.2. Reporting

  1. Clients and staff are encouraged to promptly report any concerns or potential COVID-19 exposure to clinic management.

5. Review and Updates

This policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure it aligns with the most current guidelines and recommendations provided by the New Zealand Ministry of Health. Updates will be made as necessary to address any changes in the situation or guidelines related to sickness and COVID-19.

By adhering to the above procedures and guidelines, we aim to create a safe and healthy environment for everyone at Restore Prehabilitation & Recovery.

Your cooperation and understanding are greatly appreciated.

 

Disclaimer: This policy is based on the information available up to 15th August 2023 and may not reflect the most up-to-date guidelines. Please refer to the Ministry of Health’s latest guidelines for the most current information regarding COVID-19 requirements.