October 30, 2020
Hello,
I want to share that everyone at Health & Transition Services is doing well and will be celebrating Halloween with safe activities over the next couple of days. Volunteer Services has put together a fantastic Virtual Halloween party that will be enjoyed by many!
The continued high positive cases of COVID-19 in Manitoba are concerning. Today’s announcement of increased restrictions in Winnipeg and the surrounding Metro area have a significant impact on all of us. However, the elevation of Winnipeg to RED on the Pandemic Response System does not change much for your loved ones at H&TS. Our facility has been elevated to RED for quite some time, and visitation will continue as it has been for the past several weeks. There is a real possibility that non-urgent surgeries or other procedures your loved one is scheduled for may be cancelled; we will let you know if this happens.
We are learning more from other Personal Care Home sites and hospitals that are experiencing large outbreaks. Early isolation, enhanced PPE, and COVID-19 testing are key in preventing spread. To ensure continued quick response to any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 in your loved ones, you will notice new signage on room doors empowering EVERYONE who may enter the space to notify a nurse if they see any symptoms. We are very aware that the people we support are relying on all of us to keep them safe, and we take this very seriously. The earlier symptoms are noticed; the better chances we have to stop the spread. Additionally, our nursing staff can perform a COVID-19 test without waiting for a primary care provider’s approval. If you notice any symptoms while visiting a loved one, please let a nurse know as soon as possible.
I want to thank all of you for your ongoing commitment to the safety of your loved ones. I know many of you have changed the way you live your lives outside of this facility to ensure that your risk of contracting or transmitting COVID-19 is as low as possible. We encourage you to continue doing this, and we appreciate it more than you know.
Stay warm, stay safe.
Sarah Mankelow
Director of Health & Transition Services