January 11, 2022
A message from Dr. David Matear, chief executive officer, Interlake-Eastern RHA

With the arrival of a new year, we find ourselves in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic at its most challenging with the arrival of the Omicron variant. Omicron has established itself as a variant that spreads quickly. The sudden acceleration of illness as a result of Omicron and the volume of cases is expected to add an additional strain on the health-care system. This is due in part to increased hospital admissions and high numbers of illness and absenteeism among health-care workers.

The next few weeks will require health-care workers from across the system to work together as we collectively respond to the care needs of Manitobans. We are committed to being here for you and to continue delivering the care that you need. However, in these challenging times you may experience changes or suspensions in service delivery as we work to align limited resources to areas of health care where they are most required. We have come through almost two years of pandemic response and we're going to continue to rely on Manitobans to help us through the next month. Get your COVID vaccinations and booster. Stay home when ill. Wear a well-fitted mask when you are out in public and follow all public health orders. These orders are in place to protect our health and the capacity of the health-care system.

Lastly, it has been a long haul for all of us, especially health-care workers who have been showing up day after day to take on whatever COVID-19 challenges have arisen. Please continue to be kind and patient with our staff as we work through what lies ahead. We are here for you, but we need your support and your efforts to continue taking care of each other with the choices you make every day. That's how we've made it this far and that is how we'll make it through the next few weeks together.
We are committed to ongoing collaboration with our health-care partners
We work to engage community leadership, we strive to circulate information as it becomes available and we regularly update elected leaders on the status of the health-care system. If you are interested in seeing recordings of the briefings that have occurred with elected officials, please visit www.ierha.ca > About Us > Community Involvement > Communicating with elected officials.

If you'd like to communicate with us or share questions, please email CEOstrategy@ierha.ca. We'd love to hear from you!
Please expect health care service delivery changes
Omicron has the potential to significantly affect health-care staffing in Interlake-Eastern RHA and increase the number of people who need care in hospital.

We need all residents to be prepared for last-minute health care service disruptions and for services to be temporarily suspended as staff may be shifted to assist elsewhere in the system where delivery of care is essential.
We will work with you to identify short-term care alternatives as necessary. We appreciate and thank you for your understanding if you are affected by these necessary and temporary changes.
COVID-19 and flu vaccine clinics
Book an appointment for five-year-olds and up by calling 1-844-626-8222 between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m., seven days a week or by using the online booking system originally put in place for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Individuals aged 12 years and older can receive their seasonal flu, COVID-19 or both vaccines at these sites at the same time, if they choose. Those 18 and older are eligible to receive the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine that is also offered at these clinics.
The online vaccine finder shows locations where these vaccines are available including where walk-ins are available. If you have an immunization record from another jurisdiction, you are required to complete and submit an online e-form along with a copy of the immunization record. This will allow for the record to be reviewed and validated by the appropriate department. Please visit this page.
Upcoming vaccine clinics across the region

  • Walk-ins may be available. Appointments are welcome and encouraged.
  • Individuals five years and older must wear a non-medical face mask to their appointment.
  • Please practice good hand-washing and social distancing. 
  • Do not come to your appointment if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
  • Please come right at your appointment time to avoid congestion.
  • Bring your Manitoba Health Card, and wear a short-sleeved shirt
  • You will need to complete a consent form for your vaccine. Click here to fill out and print the consent forms. Forms will also be available at the vaccine clinics.
COVID-19 and flu vaccines are also offered at the Selkirk Supersite located at 100 Easton Dr. Click here for Selkirk Supersite hours.

Beausejour — Tuesday, Jan. 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Brokenhead River Community Hall, 320 Veterans Lane  

Pinawa — Wednesday, Jan. 12 from 1 to 6 p.m. at Pinawa Alliance Church,
1 Bessborough Ave.  

Arborg — Wednesday, Jan. 12 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Arborg Bifrost Community Centre,
409 Recreation Dr.

Eriksdale — Wednesday, Jan. 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Eriksdale Recreation Centre,
Second 1st Ave. 

Oakbank — Wednesday, Jan. 12 from 1 to 7 p.m. at Oakbank United Church,
582 Balsam Cres.  

Powerview-Pine Falls — Thursday, Jan. 13 from 1 to 7 p.m. at Powerview-Pine Falls Legion,
7 Tamarack St.

Stonewall — Thursday, Jan. 13 from 1 to 7 p.m. at Stonewall Legion, 459 Main St.  

Gimli — Saturday, Jan. 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Gimli New Horizons,
17 N Colonization Rd.  

Gimli — Monday, Jan. 17 from noon to 7:00 p.m. at Gimli New Horizons,
17 N Colonization Rd.  

Fisher Branch — Tuesday, Jan. 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fisher Branch Ukrainian Hall,
33 Provencher Ave.

Lac du Bonnet — Wednesday, Jan. 19 from 1 to 7 p.m. at Lac du Bonnet Community Hall,
25 McArthur Ave.  

Victoria Beach — Thursday, Jan. 20 from noon to 6 p.m. at Victoria Beach Senior Centre,
3 Ateah Rd.  

Whitemouth — Thursday, Jan. 20 from 1 to 6 p.m. at Whitemouth Community Hall,
1st Street  

Riverton — Friday, Jan. 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Riverton Hall, 175 Riverton Ave. W  

Gimli — Saturday, Jan. 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Gimli New Horizons,
17 N Colonization Rd.  

Gimli — Monday, Jan. 24 from noon to 7 p.m. at Gimli New Horizons,
17 N Colonization Rd.  

Lundar — Tuesday, Jan. 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lundar Legion Hall, 50-3rd Ave.

Ashern — Tuesday, Jan. 25 from 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Ashern Centennial Hall,
PR 325 W  

Stonewall — Wednesday, Jan. 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Stonewall Legion,
459 Main St.  

Arborg — Wednesday, Jan. 26 from 1 to 7 p.m. at Arborg Bifrost Community Centre, 409 Recreation Dr.  

Dugald — Thursday, Jan. 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Dugald Community Centre,
544 Holland St.  

Teulon — Thursday, Jan. 27 from 1 to 7 p.m. at Teulon Anglican Parish Hall,
60-2nd St. SE  

Powerview-Pine Falls — Thursday, Jan. 27 from 1 to 7 p.m. at Powerview-Pine Falls Legion,
7 Tamarack St.
Moderna for Manitobans Aged 30+
Due to a limited supply of the Pfizer vaccine, all adults aged 30 years or older should receive the Moderna vaccine for their first, second or third dose, regardless of which vaccine product they have received previously.

People 12 to 29 years of age are at an increased risk for the rare side effect of myocarditis/ pericarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle/lining around the heart) following vaccination with an mRNA vaccine. The increased risk appears to be lower with Pfizer vaccine than it is with Moderna vaccine. Adults aged 30 years and older did not experience the same increased risk of myocarditis/pericarditis regardless of which vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer) they received. Therefore, Pfizer vaccine is being reserved for 12 to 29 year olds. Read more.
People who are not fully vaccinated are . . .
2x
more likely to test positive for
COVID-19
7x
more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19
26x
more likely to be admitted to an ICU with COVID-19
14x
more likely to die with COVID-19
Source: https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/index.html
Getting tested for COVID-19
Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 is eligible for testing. Only symptomatic individuals or those advised by public health should visit a COVID-19 provincial testing site. If you're not sure what you should do, call Health Links – Info Santé. Available 24 hours, seven days a week, when you call this information service you are speaking with registered nurses who provide answers to health care questions over the phone and guide you to the care you need.
Call anytime 204-788-8200 or (toll-free) at 1-888-315-9257.
Rapid Antigen Testing Eligibility (Test at home)

At this time, the following individuals are eligible for rapid antigen testing at a provincial testing site:
  • individuals age five and older with symptoms of COVID-19
  • asymptomatic household close contacts of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 and who are exempt from self-isolation (quarantine)
  • those advised by public health officials

For more information on rapid antigen testing process, visit Rapid Antigen Testing.
PCR Testing Eligibility (Test at testing site)
Click here to see who is eligible for PCR testing at a provincial testing site


People not eligible for testing
At this time, the following groups are not eligible for testing at a provincial testing site:
  • asymptomatic domestic travellers after arrival/return to Manitoba
  • asymptomatic non-household close contacts
  • asymptomatic household close contacts who are required to self-isolate (quarantine)
  • anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 but has completed their isolation period and no longer has symptoms


COVID-19 treatment now available
Treatment for COVID-19 is now available for people at higher risk of severe disease. If you have a positive rapid antigen test, please click here for more information and to find out if you are eligible. Or, you can call Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or (toll-free) at 1-888-315-9257.

 
Tested Positive?

If your rapid antigen test is positive, you need to consider yourself as having COVID-19 and should isolate and notify your close contacts.

In general, you should isolate for a minimum of 10 days from the test and until you do not have fever and your other symptoms have been improving over the past 24 hours. There are different isolation periods for people who have been vaccinated and people who have not been vaccinated. Visit:


How to self-isolate
If you must isolate at home, the following measures should be followed and may minimize the risk of exposing other household members and community members.

  • Stay in your own room, on a separate floor if possible.
  • Use your own bathroom, if not possible, ensure frequent cleaning and disinfection
  • If you must leave your room/ floor wear a medical mask and keep two metres/ six feet away from other household members.
  • Confine activities to your home and outdoor property.
  • Do not leave home to go to work, school or other public spaces.
  • Do not attend faith-based services.
  • Arrange to have groceries and supplies dropped off at your door. Do not go to curbside pickup from stores and restaurants.
  • Do not have any visitors to your home.
  • Cancel service providers who regularly come into your home.
  • Only leave home if you need emergency or urgent medical care.
What masks to wear?
The Government of Canada advises non-medical masks, medical masks and respirators can all be used in the community. In general, while non-medical masks can help prevent the spread of COVID-19, medical masks and respirators provide better protection. No matter which type of mask you choose, proper fit is a key factor in its effectiveness.

Read more on masks from the Government of Canada. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also has guidance on mask selection, including respirators:

If you attend a health-care facility while wearing a KN95 mask, we ask that you wear the medical mask we provide to you over your mask.
Mental health supports one call away!
COVID-19 has brought many unexpected challenges to our lives. Learn more about mental health supports available to you and the people you care about.
 IERHA 24-Hour Crisis Line
 1-866-427-8628
 204-482-5419
Klinic Crisis Line
1-888-322-3019 
204-786-8686
Kids Help Line
1-800-668-6868 
Meet Interlake-Eastern RHA's board of directors!
Click here to read their profiles.
Glen West (Selkirk) - Chair
Ruth Ann Furgala (Riverton) - Vice-chair
David Oakley (Teulon) - Treasurer
Michele Polinuk (Selkirk) - Secretary
Judith Cameron (Gimli)
Debbie Fiebelkorn (East Selkirk)
Lynette McDonald (Selkirk)
Keith Poulson (Winnipeg)
Charlene Rocke (Winnipeg)
Amanda Stevenson (Lundar)
Penny-Anne Wainwright (Eriksdale)
Tell Us your compliments and concerns
At Interlake-Eastern RHA, we are committed to serving you with respect, care and compassion. We are here to listen and respond to your needs.
 
We offer a number of ways to communicate with us:

  • Complete this electronic Feedback Form. Printed forms are also available at all Interlake-Eastern RHA facilities.
  • Compliment or concern? Call us toll free at 1-855-999-4742
  • General inquiries? Call us toll free at 1-855-347-8500 

Thank you very much for your comments and your efforts to make us a better RHA for you and your family.