August 21, 2020

IRTC UPDATE:

Public health officials advise that the current five-day COVID-19 test positivity rate is 2 per cent. Thirty-four new cases of the virus have been identified as of 9:30 a.m. today, bringing the total number of lab- confirmed cases in Manitoba to 830.

• The data shows that there were:
  • 5 new cases in the Prairie Mountain Health region
  • 19 new case in Southern Health region
  • 9 new cases in the Winnipeg region
  • 1 new case in the Interlake Eastern Health region

Preliminary investigations indicate that the majority of the new cases in Southern Health region are linked to a known cluster. Case investigations are ongoing and when they are completed, additional information will be provided as needed to inform of any public health risks.

• The data also shows:
• five current hospitalizations, with one individual in ICU
• 265 active cases and 553 individuals have recovered from COVID-19
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 is twelve

Public health officials are advising two potential exposures to COVID-19 may have occurred. The first exposure was Aug. 18, at the Canadian Tire store in Portage la Prairie, approximately from 1:30 p.m. to 2:00p.m. while the second exposure was Aug. 19 at the Olive Garden restaurant at 51 Reenders Drive in Winnipeg from 12:00 to 12:45 p.m. Additional details: https://manitoba.ca/covid19/updates/flights.html

Prairie Mountain Health region will be elevated to the restricted level according to the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System Starting Monday:

• • Group/gathering size is restricted to 10 (The group sizes won’t apply to workplaces, retail outlets or other sites already covered under other parts of the province’s reopening plans).
  • Mandatory masks in all indoor and outdoor public

The dashboard and graphs are updated daily at 1pm

IRTC in-office essential services schedule:

All IRTC Staff are available continuously via cellphone and email.

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RHA’s with 247 Active Cases (Update: August 21, 2020)

**Prairie Mountain region-City of Brandon: 99 active cases

Tribal Nursing Officer Update: Manitoba Health Flu Season 2020-21 Get Vaccinated Don’t Get the Flu

• Manitoba’s Seasonal Influenza Immunization Program offers influenza vaccine at no charge to all Manitobans every year and encourages all those at higher risk of influenza and its complications to be immunized each year, including all seniors 65 years of age and older as well as those living in long term care
• Although the circulating influenza strains vary each influenza season, there are predominant influenza strains circulating during each influenza season. Until influenza arrives in Manitoba and Canada, it is uncertain which strain will
• Influenza may exacerbate existing comorbidities and contribute to the

To protect yourself and your friends and family from getting the flu, Manitoba Health is encouraging all Manitobans to get their free flu vaccine EARLY fall and EVERY fall.

An annual flu vaccine is especially important for those at increased risk of serious illness from the flu, their caregivers and close contacts. This includes:

• people 65 years of age and older
• residents of personal care homes or long-term care facilities
• children six to 59 months of age
• pregnant women
• health care workers and first responders
• regular caregivers of children up to five years of age
• household contacts of anyone at increased risk of serious illness from the flu including those with infants under six months of age and/or expecting a newborn
• Indigenous peoples
• individuals with the following chronic health conditions:
  • an immune system weakened by disease or medical treatment (ex: cancer)
  • cardiac or pulmonary disorders (ex: cystic fibrosis, asthma)
  • long-term acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin®) therapy (for those between six months and 18 years of age only)
  • neurologic or neurodevelopmental conditions
  • diabetes and other metabolic diseases
  • renal disease
  • anemia or hemoglobinopathy
  • obesity (body mass index = 40)

Influenza Vaccine Eligibility

Manitobans 6 months of age and older who are registered with MB Health are eligible for influenza vaccine free-of-charge. Mb Health offers a high-dose inactivated influenza vaccine (Fluzone® High-Dose) to the following individuals who are 65 years of age and older and who are:

• Residents of long-term care facilities, including chronic care residents, OR
• Residents of supportive and assisted living housing, OR
• Clients in interim/transitional care beds, respite care clients as well as new, unimmunized residents admitted to long-term care facility during the flu season, OR
• In a provincial correctional facility, including those who are newly incarcerated or transferred from other federal or out of province correctional facilities, OR
• Receiving homecare services while on a waiting list for admission into a long-term care facility, OR
• Living on a First Nation or remote/isolated community, OR
• Living north of the 53rd parallel of latitude

For more information: https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/flu/index.html

Call your Health Centre for more information on Flu Clinics.