INFORMATION

WHAT WE KNOW:

COVID-19 (novel corona virus) is a strain that has not been previously identified in humans, meaning there is no immunity. It seems to spread very easily from person to person, especially in homes, hospitals and other confined spaces. The pathogen can be carried on tiny respiratory droplets that fall as they are coughed or sneezed out.

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WHO IS MOST AT RISK?

While it was previously thought that Covid-19 was only a real risk for Elderly community members, it has become clear that anyone can be susceptible to the virus. Depending on viral-load (How much virus you are exposed to) and overall health, anyone can have a serious case. While the Elderly and those with chronic disease/compromised immune systems are more at risk of having a life-threatening case of the virus, requiring hospitalization serious cases can occur in all age groups regardless of pre-existing conditions.

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WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS AND WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION?

Fever, dry cough, fatigue, difficulty breathing. If you’ve been exposed to the corona virus or think you have, and exhibit symptoms, call Health Links 204-788-8667. They should give you advice on how to get tested and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. If you’re sick or think you’re sick, but only mildly ill, you should isolate yourself and shouldn’t leave your house except to go to the doctor.

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HOW TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF COVID-19:

The simplest and best advice may be, pretend you already have the virus, and act in a way to protect those around you.

• Hand Washing, at least 20 seconds, scrubbing palms, back, between fingers, thumbs and nails. You should wash your hands more often than you think you need to.

• Social Distancing- Deliberately increasing physical space around you. No handshakes or hugs, keeping 6ft of distance between you and other people who aren’t members of your household.

• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue. Minimize touching of your eyes, nose and mouth.

• Disinfect packages and groceries as they come into your household with disinfecting wipes or spray. Disinfect surface areas daily.

• Keep your immune system strong- eat well, get ample rest, and try to reduce stress. This should include limiting one’s news consumption and rely on government updates instead of social media.
   

HOW LONG WILL THIS GO ON?

Unfortunately at this time, one cannot make predictions as information on this pandemic is being updated daily. Much as we would all like to resume our normal lives, it may be necessary to continue Social Distancing for your safety, and that of your neighbours for several more weeks at least. We will share the latest well-vetted information with you via our website. We all may grow tired of these restrictions on our lives but the stronger we commit to them now the sooner we will pull through this.

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TESTING

information from: https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/updates/testing.html

UPDATED Last updated: August 28, 2020

Manitoba’s COVID-19 testing approach is based on current and evolving public health evidence. As the situation has evolved, testing eligibility criteria have expanded to guide the province’s response.

Manitoba’s test strategy has been based on the following considerations:

• those at risk for serious disease

• the potential to transmit the virus within a setting

• the potential to have serious impact on health care delivery and critical infrastructure

• the risk of exposure and likelihood of testing positive

Presently, anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 is eligible for testing. This includes the following groups who were identified as priority groups for testing earlier in the pandemic:

• hospitalized inpatients

• congregate settings such as long-term care, corrections, residential facilities, and shelters

• Northern and remote and isolated communities

• health care workers, first responders, and critical infrastructure workers

• close contacts of cases

• populations at risk due to health conditions (e.g. transplant recipients, clinician-initiated testing for those at risk of severe outcomes)

• travellers

• people who have been in close contact with a positive case, or may have been exposed to the virus in an outbreak

A select number of asymptomatic (‘without symptoms’) groups are also being offered testing on a voluntary basis to better understand COVID-19 transmission patterns in the province. The groups that are offered asymptomatic testing may change as the situation in Manitoba evolves and as we gain better understanding about COVID-19 transmission.