The latest worldwide health emergency has not yet shown any trace in northern Manitoba.
Thousands of cases of coronavirus disease 2019, also known as COVID-19, have been reported around the world, but few have been brought to light in Canada. As of March 11, 103 cases have been reported in four Canadian provinces, mostly in Ontario and B.C. On March 12, the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick all reported their first cases.
“The risk to Canadian travellers abroad is generally low but will vary depending on the destination. The Public Health Agency of Canada is closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 in other countries,” reads a report released March 8 by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
While no confirmed cases have been announced in any northern region of the country, a spokesperson with the Northern Health Region (NHR) said the NHR, along with other health regions, are preparing a plan just in case the illness is found further north.
“There absolutely is a plan and protocols in place in the region for COVID-19,” read a statement sent to The Reminder by the spokesperson.
“In the NHR, we are working with the province on a coordinated response to the COVID -19 situation. Information is being regularly shared with our clinical leaders, health care providers and front-line staff. This also includes looking at our infection prevention and control processes and procedures, as well as ways to help prevent residents from getting ill.”
One of easiest ways to ward off infection is to follow basic hygiene tips - wash hands and avoid putting germs into the air.
“The best way people can prepare and prevent getting sick is to wash their hands regularly and thoroughly, use hand sanitizer frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home if feeling sick,” said the spokesperson, adding that sharing “well sourced information… and dissuading residents from believing everything they read on social media” would also assist.
For more information on the coronavirus situation in the north, in Manitoba or in Canada, go to the NHR website at www.northernhealthregion.com, the coronavirus section of the Manitoba Health website at www.manitoba.ca/health and the Public Health Agency of Canada page on the illness at canada.ca/en/public-health.
