COVID-19: 10 tips for Self-screening, Self-isolating & Testing

With Manitoba’s increase in COVID-19 presumptive and positive case numbers, here are some helpful reminders with respect to self-screening for symptoms, as well as proper protocols for self-isolation, and what  you need to know about testing in our province:

1. Employees who are able to work from home should be working from home.
2. Employees who must go to a workplace should self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms every day before attending work. You can access an IVR screening questionnaire by phone toll-free at 1-877-308-9038 or use Shared Health’s online screening tool.
3. If you need guidance about whether or not you should be tested for COVID-19, you can call Health Links – Info Santé for advice (204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257)
4. Public health officials strongly urge anyone who has cold or flu-like symptoms, such as a cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat, headache, or any of the symptoms listed in the screening tool to isolate and get tested for COVID-19. By getting tested, you are helping to keep your family and community healthy.
5. To book a test, you can call 1-855-268-4318 (toll-free) OR go online to access testing site locations, as well as direct links to book an appointment at clinics that take appointments: https://manitoba.ca/covid19/updates/testing.html#list
6. Public health officials advise that in order to maintain the capacity for testing symptomatic people, testing appointments for people who are asymptomatic will not be booked unless directed by public health. At this time, individuals who are not experiencing symptoms may be turned away from testing sites. Employers are asked to only send employees for testing if they have symptoms or if testing has been recommended by public health officials.
7. If you’re symptomatic or you’ve been tested for COVID-19, you should continue to isolate until you have your test results. If you are, or if you have a household member who is symptomatic, your entire household should be self-isolating pending test results. Exemptions are in place for asymptomatic household members who are health-care workers or first responders. For information on self-isolation (available in multiple languages), visit: www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/updates/resources.html#collapse2.
8. If you’re awaiting test results, you can access them by phone or online. For instructions to set up your secure portal access: https://sharedhealthmb.ca/files/covid19-how-to-access-test-results-july-2020.pdf
9. Whenever possible, symptomatic individuals should be self-isolating. The bottom line: symptomatic people should have ZERO contacts.
   • Stay in your own room and, if possible, use your own bathroom. Avoid using common areas.
   • Limit contact! Keep at least 2 metres between you and others at all times, especially those at greater risk of severe outcomes. Wear a mask if you need to be in the same room with others.
   • If you have to use a common area, make sure it is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after use.
   • Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, and don’t touch your face.
   • Do not go out unless it’s for testing or medical attention.
10. If you have a household member (family, friend, roommate) who has received a positive COVID-19 test result and needs your support (safely): How to Care for a Person with COVID-19 at Home (available in multiple languages).