A Saskatchewan doctor who tested positive for COVID-19 says the only way to avoid the virus is to stay home.
“I have learned that staying home is the only way to keep yourself safe,” said Dr. Jesse Melle in a Facebook post March 21.
Melle believes he caught the virus while visiting Edmonton, Alta.
He assured patients that he and his colleagues have practiced social distancing.
“Even with strict adherence to the recommendations at the time, against our best efforts and with very cautious hygiene, my wife and I still contracted the virus.”
Melle said when he recovers he will return to work.
“I want to assure you that as soon as I am well, I will be returning to the only thing I know how to do – the thing I love – helping this community to stay healthy. Be kind to one another. Stay well. We are in this together.”
The Rosthern Hospital and Rosthern Medical Clinic, where Melle works, is no longer providing in-person consultations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s unclear if this is because Melle tested positive for COVID-19.
The clinic posted the closure notice on Facebook on March 21.
“The physicians of Rosthern Medical Clinic will continue to provide phone consultations to their patients,” the notice read.
The clinic staff are available by phone during regular business hours to arrange the phone consultations.
Last week the Rosthern Medical Clinic posted on Twitter that a physician and his wife contracted COVID-19 after a recent visit to Edmonton.
According to Dr. Saqib Shabab, Saskatchewan’s chief medical officer, 11 of the 22 people from Saskatchewan that attended a curling bonspiel in Edmonton have tested positive for COVID-19.
Dr. Allan Woo, the president of the Saskatchewan Medical Association, posted on Twitter on March 19 that he tested positive for COVID-19.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has hit home for me and my family,” he said.
“I was tested on Tuesday and the results came back positive on Wednesday night. I am at home and continue to monitor the situation closely.”
Woo said he attended an annual curling bonspiel in Edmonton March 11-14.
“This bonspiel is an event that usually attracts 50-60 physicians from Western Canada. I believe I contracted the COVID-19 virus at the bonspiel.”
Woo said at his practice they have rescheduled appointments and surgeries. He is the assistant professor of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Saskatchewan.
“I am reminded that physicians are not invincible,” he added. “The risks of this pandemic are far too real. I hope my personal situation serves as a signal for all health-care workers, and others, to be vigilant about their health. Everyone needs to take precautions and self-monitor for any symptoms.”
