We are all experiencing surreal times, and want to share our love and support with our community at this time. This is a time like no other in memory where we need to be collaborative and supportive of each other.
The CP Team is very mindful of the fact that many of our clients and community service recipients fall in to the group of people who are most vulnerable to Coronavirus. We are fiercely protective of these people, and will do all we can to follow instructions and introduce measures to flatten the curve as this virus spreads, to ensure these people have access to the health care they need.
For many of our vulnerable clients their cherished pet is their primary companion, and we are committed to ensuring these pets receive priority care during this time and that the delivery of our service does not in any way compromise our clients.
We are taking the following action to protect our vulnerable neighbours :
- All our team (staff and Volunteers) have been advised of the protocols set by our Governments on minimising spread of the virus.
- We are asking our team and volunteers to check in on our clients to see if they need any additional assistance with provision of items such as toilet paper when they visit.
- For many of our clients, CP personnel are the only visitors they receive, so our visits are also a vital way to ensure they are doing ok. However, we are also triaging our clients and will cancel visits if they are unwell, and provide remote assistance in this instance.
- We are receiving advice from our partner home care service providers to ensure we continue to stay on top of developments and align our service with benchmark practice.
- Our hub is operating, business as usual with the following steps in place:
o Hand sanitiser is available for all visitors to use
o PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND THE HUB if you are unwell in any way, or if you have returned from overseas in the last 14 days.
o Our cleaning protocols have been escalated to ensure all public surfaces are wiped with disinfectant hourly.
o We are offering home vet visits as an alternative, and subject to availability. Priority will be given to our CP clients.
o PLEASE PHONE AHEAD OR EMAIL hub@cherishedpetcare.com.au if you have a concern about your pet’s health and we can triage the urgency and best plan forward.
- Our end of life service is continuing as normal, with prevention measures in place, as we know that pets still need our special level of care at all times.
- HAVE YOU DONE AN EMERGENCY CARE PLAN FOR YOUR PET? This is a time that we need to construct a plan for our pets in the event of them being left alone due to hospitalisation or other reasons.
- NOTE: there is no evidence that Coronovirus can be spread between humans and their pets. Read more here: https://www.ava.com.au/coronavirus/
- On a brighter note, self-isolation brings with it the opportunity to spend more time with our cherished pets! That has to be a silver lining. Use this time for additional training, grooming and care.
Like many small businesses, Cherished Pets Community Veterinary Care is preparing for the impact that this crisis will bring to our operations, and we appreciate your continued support and understanding during this time. We rely on our private clients to enable us to ensure the benefits of healthy companion pets are accessible to vulnerable people also. Please continue to support us.
Please visit the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) website regularly to keep up to date with developments. https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
Ten ways to reduce your risk of coronavirus
• Wash hands often with soap and running water, for at least 20 seconds. Dry with paper towel or hand dryer.
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow.
• Isolate yourself at home if you feel sick. If you take medication ensure you have adequate supplies.
• Phone your GP first if you need medical attention. They will tell you what to do.
• Continue healthy habits: exercise, drink water, get plenty of sleep, and now is the time to quit smoking. Call the Quitline 137 848.
• Don't wear a face mask if you are well.
• Buy an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with over 60 per cent alcohol.
• Get the flu shot (available April).
• Shaking hands is optional!