The summer has brought many changes for each of us. In an attempt to continue sharing information please read on for information about the provincial Pandemic Response System, what to do if you come in contact with a covid19 positive client, and some general information about mask requirements.
On August 19th 2020 the province of Manitoba released the #RESTARTMB Pandemic Response System. The report is intended to help people understand the current level of risk and the public health guidance that must be followed. The Pandemic Response System is four colour-coded levels with easily identifiable symbols. They can be applied at a provincial level or an even more focused regional, community, sector or facility level, if required. To familiarize yourself with the system please follow the link below:
https://manitoba.ca/asset_library/en/restartmb/pandemic_response_system.pdf
Physiotherapists are encouraged to read the document, especially the pages for Therapeutic or Health Care Businesses on pages 64-65, for further helpful information.
The College has also received numerous inquiries from clinics about what to do if they come in contact with a patient who is Covid19 positive. Information can be found when reviewing the screening tool recommended by Shared Health. One of the question reads:
Have you been in contact in the last 14 days with someone that is confirmed to have COVID-19?
-
- Yes
- No
- You should immediately limit your contact with others and isolate yourself at home.
You should speak with someone about your exposure. Please call Health Links-Info Santé in Winnipeg at 204-788-8200; toll free elsewhere in Manitoba 1-888-315-9257.
If you are determined to be a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19, you will be recommended to self-isolate and will be referred to public health who will be in contact with you to provide more information.
Please see the self isolation fact sheet for further information manitoba.ca/covid19/factsheets.
At this time we encourage you to immediately contact Health Links first, and then contact the College to determine if there is any additional information we can share or assist you with.
Dr. Roussin, Chief Medical Officer, continues to encourage all Manitobans to stick to the fundamentals, and as primary health care providers we can also reinforce his messaging:
- Stay home when you’re sick, even if mildly ill
- Perform frequent hand hygiene
- Cover your cough
- Ensure physical distancing when you are with people outside your household
- If you can’t physical distance, wear a mask
The Manitoba media bulletin on September 1, 2020 included the following information:
“Starting today, all visitors arriving at health-care facilities are required to wear a non-medical mask. This extends to outpatients attending appointments at clinics within hospitals and health centres throughout the province.
While primary care clinics and other locations providing health services are not currently included in the mask requirement, all Manitobans are strongly encouraged to wear a non-medical mask when seeking care.”
The College cannot mandate the public to wear masks, only the Public Health orders can do this. The College does require that physiotherapists must continue to implement measures to ensure that members of the public are able to maintain a separation of at least two meters from others, except for brief exchanges, continue to screen individual before they attend their appoints, and continue to wear PPE as prescribed by Shared Health. Please click here for further information. The College understands that many of our registrants and business owners are asking their clients to wear non-medical masks as a rick reduction strategy, which is an acceptable approach.
The College is aware that during this unprecedent time, the mental health of yourself, your family or your clients could really be affected. If you or someone you know is struggling, the resources on this site are here to support you. Click here for more information.
As always stay safe, and stay well.
