Manitoba doctors launch website to help navigate COVID risks amid eased restrictions
A group representing physicians in Manitoba has launched a new website reminding people just because pandemic requirements are being lifted, the COVID-19 risk still exists.
The launch coincides with the Manitoba government’s lifting of proof of vaccination requirements for most businesses Tuesday, along with the easing of mask requirements on Mach 15.
Doctor Kristjan Thompson, president of Doctors Manitoba, urged Manitobans to keep following public health advice at a virtual news conference launching the new website dedicated to educating people on COVID-19 risks.
The website - NewCOVIDNormal.ca - goes over what physicians recommend Manitobans do as they transition to a time when requirements become advice.
“Living with COVID means paying attention to the current level of transmission and considering the risk to yourself and those around you,” Dr. Thompson said. “And that’s our new normal, at least for now.”
Doctors Manitoba also estimates half of Manitobans have an elevated risk for severe COVID disease. Those factors include age, underlying health issues, compromised immune systems, obesity, disabilities, history of smoking and pregnancy. Manitobans who are Indigenous, black or people of colour may also have an increased risk.
"There are over 20 risk factors that can make people more vulnerable to COVID-19," Dr. Thompson said. "As we find ourselves in this critical transitional stage of the pandemic, let's work together to protect those around us who could be at increased risk."
Doctors Manitoba recommends the following:
- Understand the risks by visiting NewCOVIDNormal.ca
- Wear a mask that is good quality and well-fitted
- Get vaccinated and boosted, especially as easing restrictions increase risks for those who haven't been fully vaccinated and boosted.
- Reconnect with others gradually by keeping contacts at a reasonable level and finding fresh air whenever possible.
- Stay home when ill to avoid spreading COVID to others.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Hurricane Milton strengthens into a Category 5 storm. Florida orders evacuations
Hurricane Milton strengthens into a Category 5 storm off Mexico and threatens Florida, forecasters say.
'Selfish billionaire': Chip Wilson's mansion vandalized after political sign erected outside
Days after a political sign was erected outside Chip Wilson's Vancouver mansion, the waterfront property has been vandalized with graffiti.
Hurricane Milton has been upgraded to a Category 5 storm. What does that mean?
Hurricane Milton quickly intensified to a Category 5 storm on Monday, reaching the most dangerous rank on what's known as the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
Two people injured in apparent road rage incident, shooting in Toronto
Two people are in hospital after they were chased and shot at in what appears to be an act of road rage before eventually flipping their car while trying to escape, police say.
Canadian soldier wins compensation for cancer linked to burn pits after Veterans Affairs denied claim
A Canadian soldier who was exposed to toxic chemicals from burn pits while serving in Afghanistan has been awarded full medical compensation for testicular cancer after Veterans Affairs initially denied his claim.
Sammy Basso, longest living survivor of rare rapid-aging disease progeria, dies at 28
Sammy Basso, who was the longest living survivor of the rare genetic disease progeria, has died at the age of 28, the Italian Progeria Association said on Sunday.
Senior charged after minivan set ablaze outside Vancouver City Hall
The day after a minivan was set ablaze outside Vancouver City Hall, a 78-year-old man has been criminally charged.
Cissy Houston, Whitney Houston's mother and a Grammy-winning singer, dies at 91
Cissy Houston, the mother of the late Whitney Houston and a two-time Grammy winner who performed alongside superstar musicians like Elvis Presley, and Aretha Franklin, has died. She was 91.
A Canadian woman was recently diagnosed with scurvy. Here are the factors tied to the disease
Scurvy is not just an archaic diagnosis of 18th-century seafarers and doctors should watch for possible cases, according to researchers following a recent case.