Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living and public health officials are reminding Manitobans that the risk of the novel (new) coronavirus (COVID-19) in Manitoba remains low. Manitoba officials continue to work closely with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to monitor the situation as it evolves.
As of Feb. 20, 23 tests have been completed for COVID-19 in Manitoba. At this time, there are no laboratory-confirmed cases here.
Suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 are required to be reported to Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer. To date, eight cases of the COVID-19 have been confirmed in Canada. All confirmed cases are in Ontario and British Columbia.
In light of the evolving knowledge of the ongoing outbreak of the COVID-19, PHAC is recommending that travelers who have been in the province of Hubei, including the city of Wuhan, self-isolate for 14 days after departing the area. PHAC is also recommending that travelers returning from the rest of mainland China self-monitor for 14 days from when they left mainland China.
If you are ill (symptoms may include fever, cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing) and have recently traveled to an affected area, or if you are ill and have been in close contact (within two metres/six feet) with an ill person connected to the current outbreak, call Health Links–Info Santé at 788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free) for advice on where to seek care. If it is an emergency call 911.
Common prevention measures for viruses, such as the COVID-19 and influenza, include regular hand washing with soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand cleanser. Additional precautions include covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of a respiratory illness, such as coughing or sneezing.
PHAC has issued travel health notices about coronavirus. For more information, visit travel.gc.ca.
For links to more information, visit the Manitoba public health website at gov.mb.ca.
For health questions or more information on respiratory illness, Manitobans can phone Health Links–Info Santé at 788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free).
