What to do to reduce the risk
- practice good hand hygiene which includes regular handwashing with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds or you can use an alcohol-based hand cleanser if your hands are not visibly dirty. It is especially important to clean your hands after coughing or sneezing, when caring for a sick person, when preparing food, before eating, after toilet use, when hands are visibly dirty
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, or you can cough or sneeze into your sleeve. Throw used tissues in the garbage immediately and wash your hands or use an alcohol-based hand cleanser
- avoid close contact (within 2 meters/6 feet) with anyone showing symptoms of a respiratory illness, such as coughing or sneezing
- if you have symptoms of a respiratory illness (regardless of travel), even if mild, stay home until your symptoms are gone
- children and adolescents should avoid sharing food/drinks (e.g. sippy cups and water bottles), musical instruments or other things that have been in a person’s mouth (e.g. soothers)
- if you have upcoming travel plans consider the following – review the latest Government of Canada COVID-19 related travel advisories, consider deferring travel if non-essential, be aware that health care services may be limited in some arears and travel restrictions including quarantine (may be put in place with little notice), after travelling self monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, shortness of breath or breathing difficulties) for 14 days after your return. Should you develop COVID-19 symptoms self-isolate immediately and call Health Links-Info Sante for more information.
Employers should prepare workplace measures to minimize the potential spread of illness.
For more information see:
Government of Manitoba COVID-19 For Workplaces
Think ahead, plan and prepare for if COVID-19 becomes common in your community and/or if you or someone you provide care (e.g., children) for becomes sick.
More information see:
Government of Canada COVID-19 Being Prepared
Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority - Preparing for Coronavirus in Manitoba
Social distancing strategies for all Manitobans
Transmission of COVID-19 occurs most commonly through close contact (within two meters/six feet) with an infected person who is coughing or sneezing. It can also spread by touching objects and surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth, eyes or nose. To help discontinue the spread of COVID-19, Manitobans are advised:
- Do not engage in contact with others for more than 10 minutes and stay more than two metres apart while in public;
- avoiding greetings that involve touching such as handshakes;
- disinfecting frequently used surfaces;
- following public health advice related to self-monitoring and self-isolation if you have travelled or have been exposed to someone ill with the virus; and
- considering avoiding travel, crowded places and events, especially if you are at higher risk.
Advice for Travelers and Contacts of COVID-19 Cases
For the most up-to-date information regarding Travel restrictions, exemptions and advice please see:
The Government of Canada: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Travel restrictions, exemptions and advice
Health Links- Info Santé
Health links-Info Santé provided an online self-assessment tool on their website to help Manitobans determine if they should contact Health-Links-Info Santé or seek other medical advice.
Contact:
204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 Hours: 24/7/365
Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority - COVID-19 Community Screening/Testing Sites
Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority now has three testing sites operating for people who have symptoms of COVID-19.
Symptoms
Can range from mild to severe and include fever and or chills, cough, core throat / hoarse voice, shortness of breath/breathing difficulties, loss of taste or smell, vomiting or diarrhea for more than 24 hours, poor feeding (if an Infant), runny nose, muscle aches, fatigue, conjunctivitis (pink eye), headache, skin rash of unknown cause, nausea or loss of appetite.
For more information regarding symptoms and when you should get tested please see: https://manitoba.ca/covid19/fundamentals/symptoms.html
What a COVID-19 test involves
A health–care provider needs to swab the inside of your nose and will typically swab both nostrils.
Please stay in your vehicle, have your Manitoba Health card ready.
Eriksdale Drive-thru Testing Site
Community Wellness Centre, 35 Railway Avenue
Monday to Friday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Closed for lunch from noon to 12:30 pm
Please call 1-855-347-8500 for up-to-date information on this testing site.
Powerview-Pine Falls Drive-thru Testing Site
Powerview-Pine Falls Health Complex, main doors off 37 Maple Street
Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Please call 1-855-347-8500 for up-to-date information on this testing site.
Selkirk Appointment and Walk-up Testing Site at former hospital
(No Drive-thru, Mask Required)
100 Easton Drive
Monday to Saturday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
(Closed Sunday)
To book an appointment at the Selkirk testing site visit www.is.gd/MBtesting or call 1-855-268-4318.
What does "drive through" mean?
People will be expected to remain in their cars unless directed otherwise.
Resources and Printable Factsheets
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Self-Isolation Public Health - Factsheet
Coronavirus (COVID-19) What do I do while waiting for my test results? Public Health - Factsheet
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Vulnerable Populations and COVID-19
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) How to Isolate at Home Wen you Have COVID-19
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Reduce the Spread of COVID-19 - Wash your Hands
Contacts and More Information
It is very important to receive information from official sources as it will help stop the spread of misinformation. For accurate and up-to-date information please contact the following:
Government of Canada Coronavirus Website
Province of Manitoba Public Health Coronavirus Website
Health Links-Info Santé: 204-788-8200 or toll-free 1-888-315-9257