Government of Manitoba monitoring Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Details
- Published on Thursday, February 27, 2020
Media Release
Government of Manitoba
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.
The number of cases of COVID-19 is increasing outside China. Travellers returning from the province of Hubei, contacts of a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 or laboratory workers exposed during work, are advised to self-isolate for 14 days after departing from Hubei, or since their last known contact/exposure. For information on self-isolation visit: www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/factsheets/coronavirus_selfisolation.pdf.
All returning international travellers should self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days after returning to Canada. For Canadians travelling abroad the risk associated with COVID-19 is low. However, it will vary depending on destination. Travellers who develop cold or flu-like symptoms within 14 days of returning to Canada should contact Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or (toll-free) 1-888-315-9257 to determine if testing for COVID-19 should be considered. In cases where testing is not recommended, they should self-isolate until they are well.
As of today, 38 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, 12 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Canada. All confirmed cases are in Ontario and British Columbia.
Common prevention measures for viruses such as COVID-19 and influenza include regular hand washing with soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand cleanser. Additional precautions include covering the 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 COVID-19. For more information, visit: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/travel-health-notices/210?_ga=2.260947853.1094428749.1578423601-32662530.1555003301.
Information on areas with community transmission, as well as links to information on all countries reporting COVID-19 cases, will be updated regularly. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the Manitoba public health website at:
www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/coronavirus.html.
