The public health agency says the risk associated with COVID-19 is still low for Canada, but as the coronavirus spreads to more countries it’s time to prepare for a potential outbreak. As of Friday, COVID-19 had infected 78,961 people in China and another 4,691 around the world, according to the World Health Organization. It has killed at least 2,791 people in China and 67 elsewhere. WHO is still holding off on declaring a pandemic, but increased its global risk assessment to “very high.” Canada has identified seven cases each in Ontario and British Columbia and a 15th presumptive case is waiting to be confirmed in Quebec, the province’s first. “Canadians’ best defence against #COVID19 is to stay informed and be prepared,” Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam tweeted on Friday. “While the risk of spread within Canada remains low at this time, Canadians should take steps to prepare for a wider outbreak.” Here are the steps Canada has taken so far.
Travel warnings
Canada has held off on banning flights, but has issued a number of travel advisories. Canadians are advised to avoid all travel to the province of Hubei, the epicentre of the outbreak. All non-essential travel to China should also be avoided. On Friday, Canada recommended that travellers avoid all non-essential travel to the South Korean cities of Daegu and Cheongdo due to outbreaks of COVID-19. The government recommends that people exercise a “high degree of caution” in the nation overall. Despite outbreaks in Italy and Iran, Canada has not advised people to avoid these countries, but practice “special precautions” while there. Travellers to Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore are advised to take “usual precautions.” Canada recommends that all travellers register with the government so they can easily be updated about new developments.
Canadian airports
The Canadian government says that the majority of travellers entering the country who might have visited Hubei province would do so via Vancouver, Toronto or Montreal international airports. Signs in French, English and simplified Chinese have been posted at these airports asking travellers to let a border services officer know if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms. People returning from Hubei province are asked to contact their local health authority within 24 hours of returning and limit their contact with others for 14 days. International travellers must also answer a screening question at an electronic kiosk. Anyone who does not have any symptoms will receive a handout notifying them of what to do if they become sick. At all airports, if a traveller exhibits symptoms, staff will notify a quarantine officer who can make an assessment and either arrange for the traveller to visit a doctor, or be transported to hospital.
Health care
The public health agency has recommended that health care facilities make masks, tissues and hand sanitizer available at entrances, and post signs instructing patients with flu-like symptoms to alert health care workers so they can be moved to a designated area and assessed.
Testing
Canada’s National Microbiology Laboratory has a test to diagnose COVID-19 and is working with provincial public health laboratories to expand testing capacity across the country. As of Feb. 25, B.C. and Ontario are also able to test for the virus. The National Microbiology Laboratory has carried out 490 tests and found 10 cases, the rest have been identified by provincial labs.
Public awareness
Individuals can also reduce the spread of the coronavirus. The government recommends that everyone: wash your hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; stay home if you are sick and keep your mouth and nose covered to reduce the spread of germs; dispose of used tissues immediately and wash your hands; cough and sneeze into your elbow; and avoid visiting hospitals or long-term care homes if you are sick. Public health also recommends that Canadians make preparations in advance in case they fall ill, stockpiling extra food and medication and arranging alternative childcare options.
Copyright Postmedia Network Inc., 2020
