The COVID-19 pandemic will mean changes to Manitoba’s health care system, with some services going online.
Manitoba health minister Cameron Friesen outlined some of the changes coming in the provincial government’s early March 19 COVID-19 update.
“We're taking activities that would have formerly been in person in an office, and we're allowing them to be done now by telephone or by a remote video feed,” he said.
“This is for not just diagnosis and treatment, but even prescription and prescription renewal. This is new, but all Manitobans can understand how important it is to help observe social distancing instructions at this point.”
Friesen also announced he had reached an agreement with the unions representing health care workers in Manitoba to increase staffing flexibility.
“It allows for staff to be redeployed and moved into areas of surge as required,” he said.
“It is forward planning, it is contingency planning. I just want to cite the fact that everyone came together and put patients first in a plan that would provide certainty and ensure that staff will be there for patients.”
Manitoba’s chief nursing officer Lanette Siragusa said hospitals are taking actions to restrict visitors. At the children’s hospital, only one parent will be allowed in at a time. CancerCare Manitoba patients will be allowed visitors on a case by case basis. Some visitors will also be allowed in obstetrics, neotatal and pediatric care.
“In an emergency or trauma situation, we would evaluate,” Siragusa said.
“There's a little bit of clinical judgment, but overall we're saying no visitors to acute care hospital facilities.”
Siragusa also said the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg is setting up a dedicated 30-bed COVID-19 isolation unit.
“We will be working out the staffing, but for right now we're looking at moving in the equipment and the supplies,” she said.
Manitoba chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin confirmed the number of cases of COVID-19 in Manitoba remains at 17, with one person in hospital with moderate symptoms. Two additional cases were announced in the afternoon of March 18.
One of those cases announced has not been linked to travel or an active case, but Roussin said health officials are still investigating.
Roussin also encouraged people to reach out and communicate, even as they are social distancing.
“Social distancing should not mean social isolation,” he said.
“Ensure we’re remaining connected with people. Ensure we're being nice with people and ensure that we're reaching out to the most vulnerable people in our communities.”
All three asked Manitobans to continue their social distancing to help lower the spread of the virus over time.
“Fear and panic is contagious,” Roussin said.
“Fear and panic is not going to help us against COVID-19. Our preparation, our use of credible information and our actions right now will protect us against COVID-19.”
Staffing at Health Links - Info Santé has quadrupled, but call times are still long. Roussin encouraged people to use the online tool, and only call Health Links - Info Santé if needed.
