1.Fedhealth members on chronic medication
We strongly recommend that members on chronic medication consider having their medication delivered to their home or office. This is to avoid busy shopping centres and to support social distancing. Please contact your pharmacy directly to enquire about delivery options.
2. Should I be wearing a mask?
If you’re healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you’re taking care of a person with a suspected 2019-nCoV infection.
Medical masks
Medical masks of different size and shapes are available in the market. The most common ones are flat pleated masks of woven fabric that cover the nose and mouth and are affixed behind the head with straps/ elastic fasteners. There are also conical or duckbill-shaped masks with valves (or without valves) that fit in the contour of the face over the nose and mouth but are costlier.
Use of masks by the general public
• People without symptoms should not use masks, because it creates a false sense of security that can lead to neglecting other essential measures such as hand washing.
• There’s no scientific evidence proving the health benefits of wearing masks if you’re not sick. In fact, the incorrect use of masks, the continuous use of a disposable mask for longer than six hours, or the repeated use of the same mask, may actually increase risk of getting an infection.
• It’s an unnecessary cost.
Unless you’re a healthcare worker, only wear a medical mask when:
• You develop a cough or fever.
• Using medical masks when ill will prevent your infection from spreading to others. However, you also need to wash your hands frequently to avoid spreading infection to others.
• While visiting a healthcare facility.
• You are caring for an ill person.
• Close family contacts of suspected or confirmed cases undergoing home care.
3. The following are still the most effective steps to prevent COVID-19
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
• An alcohol-based hand sanitiser with 70% alcohol must be used for 20 seconds. If hands are dirty or soiled, don’t use alcohol-based hand sanitiser, but wash hands with soap and water.
• While coughing or sneezing, cover nose and mouth with a handkerchief or paper tissue. If these are not available, cough into the flexed elbow. Dispose of tissue immediately after use and wash hands.
• Don’t touch your face, mouth, nose and eyes.
• Stay at least one metre away from those coughing or sneezing.
4. Using CT scans to diagnose COVID-19
Fedhealth will NOT cover CT chest scans to diagnose COVID-19. However, CT chest scans will be covered for the management of COVID-19 positive members.
We trust that you will find this information useful as we all do our best to prevent the spread of COVID-19!