COVID-19 : How to Protect yourself and others around you

The Manitoba Brain Injury Association recognizes that these uncertain and unprecedented times can leave inidivudals living with brain injury and their families feeling isolated. It is of great importance that we all do our part in flattening the curve. In line with these efforts and Manitoba Health recommendations, our offices have been closed until futher notice.  We urge individuals to do their part by keeping a safe social distance when out in the public, and leaving all non-essential travel for a safer date in the future.  We want our valued members to know that our organization is still here for you and encourage individuals who would normally attend our programs and to reach out to us via our HELPLINE 204-975-3271 or by email services@mbia.ca

Background

According to the World Health Organization, Covid-19 started in form of a pneumonia of unknown cause in the city of Wuhan in Hubei province, China in December 2019. Because there were no cases of the virus being transmitted, the only measure that was taken was sanitizing the fish market.

Symptoms

Symptoms for Covid-19 is similar to that of a flu or a cold and this is why a lot of people will not know they are experiencing the symptoms. In most cases, it takes about 14 days after contact with the virus to start experiencing the symptoms. Unfortunately, scientists do not know yet if the virus can be transmitted during 14 days. Common symptoms are fever, cough, difficulty breathing and pneumonia in both lungs.

World Health Organization (WHO) Recommendations

People are encouraged to stay at home and self isolate for at least 14 days if they have traveled out of the province or country in resent times and if they have come in contact with someone who have been tested positive. This is to reduce the rate at which the virus is transmitted and to contain it.

The World Health Organization proposed that the most effective preventive measures in the community include:

  • Performing hand hygiene frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub if your hands are not visibly dirty or with soap and water if hands are dirty;
  • avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth;
  • practicing respiratory hygiene by coughing or sneezing into a bent elbow or tissue and then immediately disposing of the tissue;
  • wearing a medical mask if you have respiratory symptoms and performing hand hygiene after disposing of the mask;
  • maintaining social distance (a minimum of 1 metre) from individuals with respiratory symptoms.

How to Get Tested

Residents of Manitoba are asked NOT to call 911, but instead, to contact the Health Links-Info Sante at (204) 788 8200 or 1-888-315-9257 if they are experiencing symptoms of the Covid-19.

Testing cites in Manitoba are

  • 622 Superior Avenue, Selkirk MB.
  • 365 Reimer Avenue, Steinbach MB. (To be open on the 20th of March 2020).
  • Nurses Residence Gymnasium at the Brandon Regional Health Centre.
  • Channing Auditorium in the Flin Flon Community Hall, 2 North Avenue, Flin Flon.
  • Guy Hall, 28 First St. West, The Pas.
  • Thompson clinic, Plaza mall.
  • Access Winnipeg West, 280 Booth Dr., Winnipeg.
  • Access sites in Fort Garry, 135 Plaza Dr., Winnipeg.
  • Access sites in Transcona, 845 Regent Ave., Winnipeg.
  • Mount Carmel Clinic, 886 Main St., Winnipeg.

Operating hours will be from 9am – 4pm however, there might be extended hours for some locations. Residents are mandated to call Health Links-info Sante before going to the testing sites as they are by referral only.

For more information and an online screening tool please visit the Shared Health Manitoba website: https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/screening-tool/

COVID-19 Resources

City of Winnipeg 

Government of Manitoba 

Winnipeg Police (Emergencies)

Manitoba Hydro

Shared Health

Mental Health Resources

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)

Government of Manitoba 

Aulneau Renwal Centre- Wellness Checks 

Age and Opportunity

Anxiety Disorder Association of Manitoba (ADAM)

HOW WE CAN HELP

In light with the suspension of support groups, we have modified our service delivery to suit your needs.

HELPLINE

While we cannot answer medical questions, we can offer you reassurance and a friendly voice in this tumultuous times. Living with a brain injury is already an isolating condition, we want to help you keep connected by offering our support if you want to have someone to talk to. The line is open from Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. You can also leave us a message and we will give you back a call.
Contact by calling 204-975-3280 or email info@mbia.ca.

ONLINE FORUM

You can go to our website www.mbia.ca and connect and share with people who understand brain injury especially how it affects them during this time of uncertainty. Alternatively, you can join the Facebook Support group https://www.facebook.com/pg/Manitoba-Brain-Injury-Association-449153225157899/groups/?ref=page_internal .

VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUP MEETING

MBIA’s support groups are cancelled across the province. But we are determined to find ways to support those who find value in communal support. We may be physically distant but we have to keep socially adhesive to get through this together.

Interested survivors and caregivers need to email us so we can provide the link to the following virtual support groups. If you have a computer/laptop or smartphone, you can join us by clicking the link provided in the email once you have expressed your interest. For now, we will aim to do this weekly.

Survivor’s Group: Wednesday’s 1o-11:30 am using Zoom Meeting ID: 537 182 819 and Pasword: 026646

MBIA and Lululemon: HERE TO BE – Wellness Program: Wednesday’s 2-3:30pm using Zoom Meeting ID: 655 432 171 and Pasword: 002731

Survivor’s Support Group (under 30):  Wednesday’s  7:00-8:00 pm using Zoom Meeting ID: 537 182 819 and Pasword: 026646

Discussion Group: Thursday’s 2:00-3:00 pm using Zoom Meeting ID: 537 182 819 and Pasword: 026646

Sign Up for Groups