More Variants of Concern in Northern Manitoba

  • Anyone who was at the McDonald’s in Thompson on April 8th (4:00 pm to 12:00 am); April 10th and 11th (6:00 am to 2:00 pm) or April 13th and 14th (2:00 pm to 10:00 pm) may have been exposed to one of the variants of concern and should contact public health if they develop any cold or flu-like symptoms;
  • Anyone who was at Safeway in Thompson on April 10th should continue to monitor for symptoms;
  • We encourage everyone to stick close to home but if you must travel, keep a travel log of where you went and everyone you were in contact with including the dates and times – this is important for contact tracing should you be exposed to someone with the virus.

Pandemic Third Wave Worst Yet

  • Manitoba is in the third wave of this pandemic and the number of active cases are increasing rapidly;
  • Research is showing that the variants of concern (e.g. UK, South African, Brazilian variants and now a new one from India) spread more easily, are more infectious, potentially more deadly and are affecting the younger population including pregnant women more severely;
  • The test results for the variants of concern take about a week which means everyone must be extremely vigilant as there is potential exposure everywhere;
  • Other provinces are in a crisis due to the rapid spread of the variants and more restrictions are being imposed daily;
  • To avoid a similar crisis we are in a race to get more people vaccinated more quickly
  • Even though we are tired of this pandemic, we all need to keep following the restrictions in place for the health and safety of all of us.

Vaccination Update

  • The most recent studies from the US show the risk of getting COVID-19 after receiving two shots of the vaccine are very low;
  • Over 1300 doses have been given at our community clinics;
  • Clinics will be held at the Multi-Plex on Thursday, April 22 and Friday, April 23rd from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm for both first and second doses to be administered;
  • We anticipate there will be more doses coming soon;
  • PLEASE GET VACCINATED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

Follow Public Health Measures to Control the Spread of the Variants

  • Limit your contacts;
  • Do not gather indoors with people who do not live with you;
  • Do not travel;
  • Wear a mask when around anyone who is not part of your household;
  • Wash your hands frequently;
  • Get tested immediately if you have ANY cold or flu symptoms;
  • Only listen to accurate information about the pandemic and vaccination.

Please do your part. GET VACCINATED AND FOLLOW THE PUBLIC HEALTH MEASURES AT ALL TIMES. Ekosani!