Press Release
May 12, 2021
To our community members:
Following further testing outside of the region, WAHA has been made aware that one of the recent positive cases of Covid-19 was a variant of concern. The variant identified was a COVID-19 variant B1.1.7. At this time, no additional information is available to confirm if the individual case has been resolved.
WAHA is working closely with Moose Cree public health services to continue investigating and managing all COVID-19 cases and contacts with enhanced measures in accordance with Ministry guidance for variants of concern.
Dr. Elaine Innes, WAHA’s Chief of Staff states, “We want to make the people aware that the variant is here and that they need to be more vigilant regarding precautions and travel.”
Christina Linklater Moose Factory Health centre adds “variants are of concern because they tend to spread faster and may cause more severe symptoms. We are fortunate to have many of our members vaccinated and this helps, however we must be reminded that there are still some who are not vaccinated including those under the age of 18.”
At this time, we recommend that everyone continue to monitor for symptoms. If ANY symptoms develop, isolate immediately and call your local assessment centre or your health care provider to arrange testing.
Symptoms can include:
• Fever
• Sore throat/hoarse voice
• New or worsening cough
• Loss of sense of taste or smell
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea, vomiting
• Runny nose/nasal congestion
• Diarrhea
In some cases, atypical symptoms could develop, such as, unexplained fatigue or malaise, muscle aches, delirium, unexplained or increased number of falls, acute functional decline, exacerbation of current chronic conditions, chills, headaches, croup, conjunctivitis.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact WAHA, Moose Cree Public health or the Porcupine Health Unit for more information.
To reduce the risk of exposure, please continue to follow public health measures:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Sneeze and cough into your sleeve
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Stay home and isolate for 14 days if you have any symptoms or if you have recently travelled
• Practice 2 m physical distancing
• Wear a mask in indoor public spaces and outdoors when physical distancing of 2 metres/6 feet cannot be maintained.
Should you have questions, please contact WAHA at 705-658-4544 or check our website for continued updates.
Thank you,
Dr. Elaine Innes, Chief of Staff, WAHA
Lynne Innes, President & Chief Executive Officer, WAHA
Christina Linklater, Moose Factory health centre
2021-05-12 Variant of Concern COVID-19 Case Confirmed in James & Hudson Bay
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