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COVID-19: General discussion, Part 1

COVID-19: General discussion, Part 1

Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

COVID-19: General discussion, Part 1
3/12/2020 at 4:15 PM

With COVID-19 having been declared a pandemic on Wednesday, we are starting to see local impacts as efforts to limit the virus’ spread in the area.

The first source for information are pages from the Manitoba and Canada governments and the World Health Organization:
Manitoba: https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/coronavirus/

Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html

WHO: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

We have an ongoing discussion focused strictly on facts and links to locally relevant developments that can be found at https://ebrandon.ca/messagethread.aspx?message_id=1049926&cat_id=3

As the state of the pandemic and response to it evolves there have been many questions or observations that folks have shown a want to discuss in that thread, which isnt intended for anything other than straight sharing of and linking to facts.

This thread is the place for that discussion, with some important ground rules:

-facts are king here, and published information from health authorities and medical professionals is taken seriously in that regard. This is neither the time nor place for folks looking to make their mark with conspiracy theories!

-posts in this thread should not in any way, shape or form be seen as a substitute for medical advice. The best advice in response to questions is that which directs people to published facts from reputable sources or where most appropriate to those within our medical system who have the expertise to answer based on your own unique situation.

-a suspected case by a poster should not be seen as a presumptive or actual case unless verified by proper medical personnel. Details on confirmed cases in the province can be found at the provincial link above.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in ensuring that we have constructive, facts-based discussion on this critical topic
Pasquale
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 389

Pasquale
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 389

Who do we call
3/12/2020 at 8:39 PM

If we suspect ourselves or family members of having it? There should be a number made public or just the hospital?
Trevor B

Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 8881

Trevor B
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 8881

Check the
3/12/2020 at 8:50 PM

Government of Manitoba that Adam posted in his first post for more information. But here's the number they want you to call if you suspect a case.

Health Links – Info Santé
204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257
desparents
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 100

desparents
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 100

BSD response ... crickets
3/12/2020 at 10:19 PM

And what about schools? Nothing. Zip. What have they done? Ask staff...nothing.
HammerHead
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 147

HammerHead
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 147

website with stats Worldwide
3/12/2020 at 11:29 PM

https://ncov2019.live/data

Edited by HammerHead, 2020-03-12 23:32:29
Abbysmum
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5038

Abbysmum
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5038

schools
3/12/2020 at 11:47 PM

desparents said "And what about schools? Nothing. Zip. What have they done? Ask staff...nothing. "
There was a letter sent home with my kids the other day that basically says they're monitoring the situation and are acting according to current medical recommendations. They were also encouraging hygiene to slow the spread.

At the time, that was reasonable. Things have changed only today, so we'll see what the next few days bring.
JANOLE

Joined: May 2009
Posts: 590

JANOLE
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 590

April
3/13/2020 at 8:20 AM

Lots can change between now and April so I doubt they will cancel it unless its deemed necessary closer to the date of the event.
Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Shopping
3/13/2020 at 10:49 AM

One thing you notice when grocery shopping is that stores are a real mix between folks that are taking this in different ways. Felt bad... a slight cough into my arm that I often get from breathing in a little cold air really put a scare into one elderly couple.

IMO Important to understand and respect that different people will respond in different ways, some will show more stress than others and to try to stay calm and supportive of those folks where possible. We're all in the same boat and the easier we can make this on each other the better!
my_user_name
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 304

my_user_name
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 304

Postponed
3/13/2020 at 12:00 PM

Email Sent Friday Morning:

The health and safety of our community is of the utmost importance. Due to the current health concerns the Provincial Exhibition Board of Directors has made the decision to postpone the 2020 Brandon Home & Leisure Show at this time. These decisions are not made lightly, however, we feel it is in the best interest of all. We will continue to monitor the situation and will update you with any future events.

Thank you for your understanding at this time.

Edited by my_user_name, 2020-03-13 12:02:06
axana596
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 844

axana596
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 844

Well
3/13/2020 at 12:03 PM

Honestly, what do you expect schools/daycares to do? Many parents jobs are still open - they still have to go to work!
Jeremy@PMC
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 7

Jeremy@PMC
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 7

Good Ol Canada
3/13/2020 at 12:29 PM

Researcher Arinjay Banerjee plays major part in isolating COVID-19 virus for urgent research | @McMasterIIDR @Sunnybrook @UofT https://t.co/Z9kVfIcn2s
— McMaster University (@McMasterU) March 13, 2020

There is hope yet if this is true!
Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Schools
3/13/2020 at 2:43 PM

Abbysmum said "There was a letter sent home with my kids the other day that basically says they're monitoring the situation and are acting according to current medical recommendations. They were also encouraging hygiene to slow the spread.

At the time, that was reasonable. Things have changed only today, so we'll see what the next few days bring. "
Posted in the main fact thread, but worth a follow-up in this thread too with the questions there have been...
schools will close from March 23 - April 13.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/manitoba-schools-covid-19-update-1.5497122
Summertime
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 931

Summertime
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 931

Question
3/13/2020 at 3:31 PM

Adam said "Posted in the main fact thread, but worth a follow-up in this thread too with the questions there have been...
schools will close from March 23 - April 13.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/manitoba-schools-covid-19-update-1.5497122 "
Wondering why public schools aren’t closed until March 23, when university classes have been suspended starting immediately. Why not start the closure this Monday, Mar 16? Just curious.
Spaghetti Monster
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1909

Spaghetti Monster
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1909

Not an expert but .....
3/13/2020 at 3:41 PM

....I think they are delaying the closure because

A- the risk in Manitoba right now is very low
B- the belief is the three weeks will be sufficient to "flatten the curve"
C-it makes sense to i:nclude the spring break in the three week social distancing
D- Waiting until Spring break starts is too long a wait.

This is just my opinion and is based on what information I could glean from reputable sources.
JRL
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 111

JRL
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 111

BU classes suspended next week
3/13/2020 at 3:46 PM

BUs announcement is online now https://www.brandonu.ca/safety/coronavirus/
I believe UofW and others are taking the same approach. One week of no classes so faculty and admin have time to plan what to do about end of term and exams.
Johnbisonbear
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 4183

Johnbisonbear
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 4183

maybe
3/13/2020 at 4:32 PM

Idle said "Wondering why public schools aren’t closed until March 23, when university classes have been suspended starting immediately. Why not start the closure this Monday, Mar 16? Just curious. "
to give parents some time to figure out who will be able to look after their children while they can't because they have to work?
1wrangler3
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 280

1wrangler3
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 280

.
3/13/2020 at 4:35 PM

The school closure is going to effect so many families, I’ve had 3 staff members (one of which called crying) call me to cancel all of their shifts as they have no one to watch their children.. these are all people working paycheque to paycheque. Other countries have suspended mortgage payments, trump just suspended student loans etc. Is anything like that going to happen here ? This situation will put people in a horrible financial spot for months to come.
Bugs
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 160

Bugs
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 160

Childcare
3/13/2020 at 5:26 PM

Try reaching out to a high school student you may know. They might be looking for something to do for two+ weeks
Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

BSD
3/13/2020 at 5:41 PM

From the link below:
“For the week of March 16 to 20, 2020, schools will be open, however, if the parent chooses to self-isolate or increase the degree of social distancing for their child, Brandon School Division will provide programming and support.”

https://www.bsd.ca/news/pages/update-on-covid-19-from-brandon-school-division.aspx
Iceman69
Joined: This month
Posts: 513

Iceman69
Joined: This month
Posts: 513

same with daycares
3/13/2020 at 5:48 PM

While there is no official news... most likely all public daycares will follow and be closed for the same amount of weeks.

Tough 3 weeks for myself if this comes, that would mean only 1 income in my family. Feel sorry for those that will have no income.
Spaghetti Monster
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1909

Spaghetti Monster
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1909

I no longer have to ......
3/13/2020 at 6:06 PM

....worry too much about child care, but I certainly remember the days.

I don't know if there is going to be any help from the government in this regards or what they could do other than financial help.

I know someone who might be willing to help with child care but would likely be a complete stranger so is it worth the trouble of finding out if they would be willing?

E Brandon in the past has been the source of some pretty wonderful acts of kindness so if the need is great I would be willing to speak to them to see if they are willing to take in one or two school age kids for a time on their days off.

As I understand it they work a shift that is four on four off.

Is there anyone else who would be willing to help out? Is there any one out there willing to consider taking the help?

The person I am talking about has three school age children staying with them while they are in a housing transition. Any way. It was just a thought.
Summertime
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 931

Summertime
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 931

Yes
3/13/2020 at 6:34 PM

Johnbisonbear said "to give parents some time to figure out who will be able to look after their children while they can't because they have to work? "
That makes sense! Thx
JM3030
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 227

JM3030
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 227

Yes I read
3/13/2020 at 6:42 PM

bdn438 said "Does anyone have information about daycares/nursery schools located in schools being closed for those three weeks? "
That daycares which operate in schools are allowed to continue to operate as normal during the 3 week period. My nephew's school in turtle mountain sent out an email to all the parents summarizing the press conference with the minister of education.
Trevor B

Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 8881

Trevor B
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 8881

3/13/2020 at 7:00 PM

This needs to be said - the City of Brandon, Province of Manitoba or the country of Canada IS NOT on the verge of going into lock down!!! There is absolutely zero need to mass panic or stockpile.

If you feel you may have the virus, contact Health Links @ 1-888-315-9257 and follow their instructions. http://www.wrha.mb.ca/healthinfo/healthlinks/

If you do need to quarantine yourself and family, just make sure you have family, friends, neighbours that can run and get any supplies you need if you are running low. Otherwise just get your usual grocery supplies. This mass buying is also not safe if your trying to prevent yourself from getting the virus.

We just need to take a deep breath, use common sense and just take the recommended personal safety precautions.
Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Shopping
3/13/2020 at 8:21 PM

Officially from Public Health Agency of Canada, the advice at link below is “stock up on essentials but avoid panic buying” not so much from the perspective of self-isolation as being in a position to not have to leave home if sick or during the peak of the outbreak.

The entire link is a very valuable read, with recommendation saying that:

“It is easier on the supply chain if people gradually build up their household stores instead of making large-scale purchases all at once. To do this, you can add a few extra items to your grocery cart every time you shop.”

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/being-prepared.html#a2
Someonesomewhere
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 67

Someonesomewhere
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 67

Pleading for the sake of the elderly and compromised
3/13/2020 at 8:41 PM

I would just like to remind the public that the elderly and those with compromised immune systems should have a fair chance NOW before it spreads. Husband Witnessed an elderly man being pushed by a group of women in their 30s while he was trying to reach for a bag of frozen vegetables. That behaviour and lack of compassion for those who need it the most right now is so sad. Please ensure you checkup on those who may need help in these tough times and have some common sense and courtesy!!!

Edited by Someonesomewhere, 2020-03-13 20:51:04
sammy
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8749

sammy
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8749

.
3/13/2020 at 9:00 PM

The school closure is a major thing for working parents to deal with. I really feel bad for those families. If daycares close, that just gets worse. The teachers are expected to be working still so even those parents will need childcare.

For those who need care, I suggest trying...

* asking private daycares if they have a spot open. Some will have parents staying home and a possible opening. I’m not sure if licensed providers can take new kids that quickly but you could ask them as well.

* asking an older child if they can babysit

* working with other parents to share care for your children so you and the other parent can take turns taking days off

* if you are able to stay home with your children, consider offering friends kids to stay with you

Good luck everyone!!
Mr E Of The Century
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 108

Mr E Of The Century
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 108

If anyone is looking for a great read
3/13/2020 at 9:42 PM

on the perspective of epidemiology and the effect it can have on our society,I would suggest reading Deadliest Enemy by Michael Osterholm, one of the worlds top epidemiology experts. He is also one of the very few people who predicted the potential of this epidemic. Spoiler alert: this isn't going away. Our lives are going to change, our world may change. But we can get through this together. We simply have to. It's a great read, and necessary,in order to get a better understanding of what we could face in coming years.
Giddyup
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 473

Giddyup
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 473

Daycares
3/13/2020 at 10:32 PM

I wouldn’t be surprised if licensed daycares are the next thing to close. I don’t think the province can force private daycares to but some of those might decide to on their own. So finding temporary daycare might not be an option for working parents. I’m not sure what people are supposed to do... not everyone has family or friend willing to take their child everyday .... and not going to work isn’t an option for many people either. I don’t get sick/personal days, so if I don’t go to work I don’t get a paycheque.

And isn’t the whole point of the schools closing is so that the kids aren’t all together .... daycare is no different.

I ran a licences daycare during the time H1N1 was a fear. The province made us spend so much time developing procedures, written plans and “what if” scenarios.. and guess what it was all for nothing. So I predict the reaction they will have over this virus will be 100 times more extreme i.e closing daycares.
sammy
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8749

sammy
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8749

.
3/13/2020 at 10:37 PM

I think the difference between school and daycare closures is the size. Daycares are smaller amounts of people in one area and if anyone is affected, the spread to others will be lower. That’s my thoughts anyways