With the respiratory virus season upon us, the province announced Wednesday that they are prepared for the load ahead.
Health Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara said today that they are ready with a comprehensive strategy designed to reduce the strain on the health care system and keep Manitobans healthy, safe and informed.
Some preparations include building up the intensive care unit and acute beds, so people get the care they need and offering vaccines to those in need.
The province is providing the RSV vaccine free of charge to seniors over 60, living in a long-term care home, and encouraging residents to get vaccinated through their long-term care facility.
They have also launched a provincewide ad campaign to inform Manitobans about respiratory virus season and are encouraging those who can, get vaccinated.
The Manitoba government has also opened 112 acute care beds with plans to open 70 more in the coming months.
“Considerable planning has occurred within the health system in an effort to mitigate or minimize service disruptions during respiratory virus season,” said Dr. Jose Francois, chief medical officer, Shared Health. “This planning has been strongly supported by our partners in government, who have worked in collaboration with clinical leaders to ensure Manitoba’s health system is as fully prepared as it possibly can be for the coming respiratory virus season.”