COVID-19
(Last updated – March 16, 2020)
Since the announcement of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Manitoba, we have received questions from members about the COVID-19 outbreak and how to respond as health practitioners. We have prepared this update and will continue to advise members as the situation develops.
Rapidly changing information and frequent updates over the past few days are likely to continue into the next few weeks. We recommend that members visit the website frequently to view these changes.
As a professional association, the MOA will continue to follow recommendations as provided by the Government of Canada, Department for Health, and the webpage for health professionals on Shared Health Manitoba.
Based on the available information from the March 16th updates provided by the Government of Manitoba and the Government of Canada, the best course of action for all non-essential service providers is to practice social distancing and self-isolate as needed. This is the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and minimize the overall damage to our entire province.
We are making the following recommendations for the safety of your patients and yourselves:
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We recommend that all members consider not treating clients for an initial period of 2 weeks. This may change and we’ll update members as soon as possible. We understand that this is a difficult recommendation to consider but ultimately believe it to be in everyone’s best interest.
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We are aware of the financial impact that this recommendation will have on members’ practices. This recommendation by MOA and the Board of Directors is not an easy one to put forward but is, in light of recent developments, what we believe to be the best and most responsible course of action as a profession. All clinic owners and solo practitioners should consider these facts and use them to make an informed decision regarding their practices.
We thank our members for their diligence in staying up to date at this time and appreciate your efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect yourselves as well as fellow Manitobans.
Recommended References and Resources
https://sharedhealthmb.ca/health-providers/coronavirus-resources/ New resources have been added on March 13th and 14th, 2020