The Central Lambton Family Health Team says not everyone will be seeing a doctor in person over the next couple of weeks.

The physician group based in Petrolia will be turning to virtual appointments hoping to reduce the chance of COVID-19’s spread to health care professionals and the community.

“As COVID 19 spreads through the community, we will be shifting to virtual care whenever possible to decrease risk for patients and staff,” says Sarah Milner, executive director of CLFHT in a news release. “Each appointment will be triaged to allow a limited number of patients to be assessed in office. This measure is intended to guard the safety of our most vulnerable patients, maintain our staffing and remain operational during this challenging time.”

If you have an appointment booked already, you will be notified whether you will be seen in person, by phone or virtual appointment. That will be based on the reason for the appointment.

Officials are asking people only to call the office if they are cancelling an appointment.

Milner says as the number of COVID-19 cases in the area slows, the health team will return to regular operations.