Understandably, concerns about the coronavirus are on the minds of many. However, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) states that the risk associated with COVID-19 in Canada at this time is low. The low risk here in Manitoba is affirmed by provincial public health officials, who continue to monitor the situation and work closely with PHAC.
UWinnipeg is monitoring the situation and will provide updates to UWinnipeg’s website when they become available.
Please click here to access FAQs answered by Manitoba Public Health.
Members of the UWinnipeg community are reminded to take precautions that can help avoid contracting and spreading novel coronavirus or other respiratory illness. These common prevention measures include: regular handwashing with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleanser; covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing; and avoiding contact with anyone showing symptoms of a respiratory illness, such as coughing or sneezing.
It is important to wash your hands:
• after coughing or sneezing;
• when caring for a sick person;
• before, during and after food preparation;
• before eating;
• after toilet use; and
• when hands are visibly dirty.
If you are considering travel, please review the Government of Canada’s current travel advice and advisories to support informed decisions before going abroad. Faculty and staff should also contact their supervisor and UWinnipeg’s Safety Office.
In light of concerns about the potential for increased cases of COVID-19, Manitoba Health recommends self-isolation and self-monitoring for symptoms of COVID-19 for travellers for 14 days after departing areas experiencing community transmission of COVID-19. Travellers who develop cold or flu-like symptoms within 14 days of returning to Canada should contact Health Links / Info Sante at (204)-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257. More information on self-monitoring and self-isolation can be found at Manitoba Health.
If you are returning from travel and in quarantine, you should contact Accessibility Services at 204.786.9771 or through email at accessibility@uwinnipeg.ca.
For links to more information, visit the Province of Manitoba website. and the Government of Canada.
