The province’s chief public health officer says that Manitoba Health is ready for any possible deadly infection outbreak.
Dr. Brent Roussin announced today that public health officials are monitoring the coronavirus infection that has resulted in the lockdown of three cities in China.
600 people have been infected with the disease, resulting in the deaths of 17 people.
One case of coronavirus was confirmed in Washington State, in a person who had recently been in China.
Roussin said that even though the risk of contracting coronavirus in Manitoba is low, health workers are asked to be vigilant with clients' travel histories.
He added that anyone who heads to a hospital with a fever and acute respiratory illness and has travelled to parts of China, or have been around people who have travelled within the past two weeks will be tested.
If a person is showing symptoms of coronavirus, they will be placed in a private room alone and out under precautions.
Manitoba is at low risk for coronavirus because there are no direct flights to China.
If a person is suspected of carrying the virus, all medical staff must report the case to Manitoba Public health.
