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Brandon site opening to test for COVID-19

Manitoba cases on the rise, certain Winnipeg flight passengers asked to self-isolate
Manitoba
Manitoba Facebook photo

As early as Wednesday, March 18, an eighth dedicated testing site for COVID-19 will open in Manitoba.

A Manitoba government news release states the site will open in the Nurses Residence Gymnasium at the Brandon Regional Health Centre. For Westman and Brandon residents, this reassuring news cannot come too soon.

It will be open seven days per week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Testing sites are by referral only and are not walk-in clinics.

Any person concerned that they have COVID-19 should call Health Links at 204-788-8200 or, 1-888-315-9257 before arriving at a testing site.

Health care providers can diagnose coronavirus infections based on symptoms and laboratory tests.

Symptoms range from mild (fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat) to severe (e.g., shortness of breath and breathing difficulties).

While many people will develop only mild symptoms, some groups appear to be more vulnerable to COVID-19.

Those at higher risk typically develop more serious, even fatal, symptoms such as pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome and kidney failure.

High risk groups include those:

  • 60 years of age and older
  • living with chronic health conditions (diabetes, heart, renal or chronic lung conditions)
  • with weakened immune systems (e.g. cancer)

Symptoms of COVID-19 or other coronaviruses may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to the virus.

Self isolate:

Public health is updating a flight number from Vancouver International Airport to Winnipeg where individuals may have been exposed to COVID-19. 

Individuals on Air Canada flight AC 8622 on March 7 and March 8 in rows 24 to 29 are asked to self-isolate and monitor themselves for symptoms for 14 days since their last known contact or exposure. 

Anyone with the symptoms as described above should self-isolate.

For more information on self-isolation and self-monitoring, visit www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/factsheets/coronavirus_selfisolation.pdf.
Should you be tested?

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and have travelled abroad, or been on the flight detailed above and become ill, call 204-788-8200 or toll-free 1-888-315-9257.

Treatment:

There are no specific treatments for illnesses resulting from coronaviruses, including COVID-19.

Most people with these illnesses will recover on their own. However, some individuals may require medical treatment for severe symptoms such as shortness of breath.

Symptoms of COVID-19 may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to the virus.

As of March 17, the number of cases in Manitoba has risen to 15 (includes lab-confirmed positive and presumptive cases).

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