POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO VARIANT OF CONCERN
Tansi!
Possible Exposure to Variant Has Been Identified
- We have been warning that Variants of Concern (VOC) are spreading in Canada and so extra caution is necessary – THIS PANDEMIC IS NOT OVER!
- We now have a possible exposure in our community that is related to travel to Winnipeg.
- Out of an abundance of caution, precautionary measures have been activated but a lockdown is not necessary at this time unless situation becomes a confirmed case.
- If you have not been contacted by public health there is no need to worry at the moment but we remind everyone to be cautious.
- Everyone who leaves the community for any reason or is in contact with anyone who has been out of the community must always self-monitor for symptoms and get tested immediately if you get any symptoms.
Why These Variants are of Concern
- All viruses mutate or change over time as they spread. Some of these mutations become known as Variants of Concern or VOCs.
- Three types of variants have now been confirmed in Manitoba (B.1.1.7 (UK variant), P.1 (Brazil variant), and B.1.351 (South African variant). To date the B.1.167 (India variant) has not yet been detected here.
- These variants are all more transmissible and so spread more easily. The evidence is mounting that they also cause more severe illness particularly among younger people.
- We again 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. Think twice about whether your travel is essential or can wait.
Vaccination Update
- The risk of getting COVID-19 or being hospitalized after receiving two shots of the vaccine are very low as long as the pace of the vaccines is quicker than the spread of the variants.
- Vaccination is one of the critical tools we have to protect each other, especially our children from COVID-19 and the variants;
- Remember it takes time for our bodies to build immunity after we get the vaccine;
- Two weeks after the first dose of Modera, you will have some immunity but a second dose is required after 28 days – it then takes at least another two weeks to develop more immunity so caution is required at all times until this pandemic is under control;
- Mass Vaccination Clinics will again be held at the Multi-Plex on May 4 to 7 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm for both first and second doses to be administered;
- If you received your 1st dose between March 24 and April 6, you are eligible to receive your 2nd dose on any day between May 4 – May 7;
- If you received your 1st dose on April 7, the 2nd dose is due May 5;
- If you received your 1st dose on April 8, the 2nd dose is due May 6;
- If you received your 1st dose on April 9, the 2nd dose is due May 7;
- If you receive your 1st dose after May 7, watch for notices about your second dose.
- PLEASE GET VACCINATED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
REMEMBER TO FOLLOW PUBLIC HEALTH MEASURES AT ALL TIMES
- 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.
Do your part to protect your family!
Ekosani!