REACTING TO VIRUS
THE coronavirus is a massive pandemic that is currently impacting the whole of our world.
This virus has caused schools to be closed and many constraining restrictions have ensued that have made it impossible for people to continue living their daily lives as normal.
These restrictions are impacting local businesses in Townsville in varying ways, some being forced to close and others having to run their business very differently from their usual manner.
My mum, Dr Paula Hastie, runs Ross Island Veterinary Clinic.
She has done what she can to continue providing service while ensuring the safety of both staff and customers at the vet.
Consults have had to be spaced out to every half hour, rather than the usual 15 minutes, to limit the number of people in the vets at any time.
Hand sanitiser is available on the front desk for customers and mum and the nurses are making sure they wash their hands regularly.
“The most difficult thing with all this is trying to get close to pets during consults,” mum says.
“People generally want to hold onto their pets, and it is difficult to get close to the animal and not the owner to maintain social distancing.”
During the hydrobaths on Saturday, which I run, tape has been put up to keep customers at a safe distance.
These measures all aid in helping clients feel safe taking their animal to the vet, and keep business running not too differently from normal.
My mum says that pet owners should make sure to keep up to date with heartworm prevention and regular health checks.
It is important to stay safe, while also continuing to take care of your pets during these difficult times.