Ambulatory care settings, such as mass immunization clinics, are those where health care services are provided on an outpatient basis. These settings play an important role in the healthcare system.
Key measures to prevent introduction and spread of COVID-19 in ambulatory and outpatient settings include:
- Health care workers (HCWs) must follow current infection prevention and control (IPAC) guidelines for use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Scheduling of vaccine appointments should be coordinated to minimize time spent in waiting and recovery areas as well as the management of patient throughout to ensure physical distancing and other infection control measures are maintained in these areas
- All HCWs will follow Nova Scotia Health infection prevention and control measures including universal masking, routine practices, and additional precautions
- All staff must work proactively to identify suspect or confirmed cases of COVID-19 in staff and patients, implement appropriate precautions, and advise testing where indicated
