Public health is hearing more and more reports of people going to work or school with mild symptoms of COVID-19. That, is according to Dr. Jazz Atwal, Acting Deputy Chief Provincial Public Health Officer for Manitoba.

According to Dr. Atwal, if you are experiencing one of the following symptoms, you must immediately self-isolate, which means staying home from work or school and limiting contact with those in your household:

  • fevers or chills,
  • cough,
  • sore throat or a hoarse voice,
  • shortness of breath,
  • loss of taste or smell, or
  • vomiting or upset stomach for more than 24 hours.

He adds if you are experiencing two or more of the following symptoms, you must immediately self-isolate, which means staying home from work or school and limiting contact with those in your household:

  • runny nose,
  • muscle aches,
  • fever,
  • pink eye,
  • headache,
  • skin rash,
  • poor feeding in babies, or
  • nausea or loss of appetite.

Dr. Atwal says if you have any of the above symptoms, you should use the online screening tool or call Health Links for further instructions.

"Even mild symptoms can be COVID," he says. "Please, don't put others at risk because you didn't take your minor symptoms seriously."

Meanwhile, with Christmas now four days away, Dr. Atwal says this would normally be the time to start prepping Christmas dinners, doing last-minute Christmas shopping and connecting with friends and family to arrange get-togethers. And though it is difficult to change annual traditions, he notes this year must be different in order to protect our loved ones, our front line workers and vulnerable Manitobans.

"Our case numbers are down today which is definitely a positive, however, we must remain vigilant, we can't let these lower numbers lull us into a false sense of security," says Dr. Atwal. "Numbers could spike again if we get together at the holidays. We need to make sure these sacrifices this year are done to make sure that next year we're able to celebrate with all our loved ones safely, gathered together."

Today's new case count totalled 167, which is the lowest total since 142 on November 1st.

"Please keep holiday celebrations within your own household, celebrate with friends and family on the phone, online," he urges. "Don't travel to northern Manitoba or out of the province unless it's absolutely essential. The holidays will need to look different this year to keep our fellow Manitobans safe."

Dr. Atwal says even with today's lower case count, the province's message remains the same which includes staying home when feeling sick, washing your hands, covering your cough and wearing a mask. He notes you should only leave your home for essential purposes and then only send one person.

"We must all take action together to stop this now, the next two weeks are critical but we all know what we need to do, to stop the spread of this virus," says Dr. Atwal. "Don't let holiday celebrations bring risk or harm to anyone else. Stay safe, stay at home, and join me this year in celebrating apart together."