No matter what goes on in the world, regular health concerns don't stop, meaning doctors and physicians don't either. Doctors Manitoba has created a new initiative that allows people not to have to put their health on hold, with a doctor either a video or phone call away.

Dr. Leanne Nause has been with Agassiz Medical Centre for 15 years, and says patients have been incredibly receptive to phone visits, which comprises much of her days during COVID-19.

"We’re doing everything we can to continue to treat both acute and chronic conditions. We've been able to tap into some excellent technology that's available to us. We have a Medeo portal for our patients, which was already in place, but the degree it's being used has been accelerated."

The portal allows not only for phone or video visiting, but online booking and messaging with patients. However, sometimes it can be challenging to discern when a health condition can wait, or it requires a patient to go in. Dr. Nause says staff and primary care providers will help you decide, and all patients who have an interest in whether their health concerns can wait, or unsure if they can go in or not, they are more than welcome to call the clinic.

If a patient does have to come into the clinic, they might have concerns being at a clinic is where they could be more likely to catch COVID. Dr. Nause reassures the clinic is taking all necessary steps to protect everyone.

"We do not have the same traffic flow, we've set up hand sanitizer, and everyone is doing tons of handwashing. We have shields, so our staff isn't exposed, and we wipe down surfaces anyone has been in contact with. There has been so much effort made to make sure when people come; they feel like they're not walking into somewhere they're not feeling comfortable."

For in-person visits, health care providers are required to wear facemasks and goggles when with patients. If a patient worried they have COVID-19, they use the Shared Health online screening tool or call 1-877-308-9038.

For someone looking to use the online or virtual tools, Dr. Nause says to first call the clinic to see what can be set up. A patient can also sign up through the Medo system by visiting the Agassiz Medical Centre website.

More information on virtual visits or when to visit your health care provider, click here.