The Northern Health Region says they have been preparing should COVID-19 cases arise in northern Manitoba.

 

Helga Bryant, the CEO of the NRHA, says hospitals in Thompson, The Pas, and Flin Flon do have self-isolation spaces available should multiple COVID-19 cases begin appearing in the three hubs.

 

She says the authority is confident that there will be enough medical staff at their health facilities across the region should COVID-19 reach northern Manitoba.

 

Bryant explains that critically ill patients will need to have assessments done in case they need to be transferred to Winnipeg, and adds that Life-Flight air ambulances are prepared to handle transfers for COVID-19 patients.

 

Bryant adds that while she couldn’t confirm the number of ventilators in northern Manitoba hospitals, there are many ventilators across the province, and Health Minister Cameron Friesen has said Manitoba has more on the way.

 

Bryant reminds northern Manitobans that the testing sites in Thompson, Flin Flon, and The Pas are open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., but they do require a referral.

 

If you fit the criteria for COVID-19 testing, call Health Links at 1-888-315-9257.