"They are heroes."

That is how a health leader in Manitoba is describing health care workers in our province.

Lanette Siragusa with Shared Health says the past week has seen significant demands placed on our health care system. Siragusa says one week ago, they provided an update on the development of plans to increase capacity within acute care. As of Sunday, there were 220 Manitobans hospitalized with COVID-19, with 41 of those patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). 

As of Friday, Manitoba has 93 ICU beds. Siragusa says they have added 10 additional beds in the past week. She notes 26 of the 63 patients on ventilators on Friday morning, had COVID-19. A total of 85 beds were in use.

In addition, 563 non-urgent and elective and surgical procedures have been postponed since October 26th.

"These postponements are necessary as we shift our resources to handle the patient surge associated with COVID," shares Siragusa. "Efforts to increase this capacity across the health system are ongoing but I don't want to understate the strain that these case numbers do place on our health care system and the strain this then places on our health care workers."

Siragusa says Manitoba's capacity is not infinite. In fact, she fears how the daily case count of more than 300 will impact beds and staff in the days and weeks to come.

Siragusa says Manitoba has ventilators, equipment, supplies and space. However, she notes the system relies on physicians and staff.

"They are stepping forward, they are training right now to work in new areas with new teams," she says. "They are isolating from their families and their loved ones, they are making lots of changes in their lives so that they can be there for you."

Siragusa shares a few anonymous quotes from health care workers:

"I am relieved and also sad. No gatherings. Most businesses are closed. Unfortunately, a lockdown is unavoidable now. Our health care facilities and workers are struggling. I'm relieved because shutting things down, for now, gives us a chance to hold our health care system together. But even with the lockdown, our hospitals need to brace for a few tough weeks."

"For the next four weeks, I will only work in the ICU. Make a change to reduce the number of people who spend lonely nights in the ICU."

"We don't need your gratitude, we need you to wear a mask and keep your distance and stop spreading this virus, please."

Siragusa says for health care workers, it is scary and exhausting and sometimes it feels like you are in a tunnel and you need to see some light. She notes they are really looking forward to when the restrictions start to result in case numbers dropping.

"I think that will provide some relief to people," she says. "They are not going to let Manitobans down. But it's a two-way street. Manitobans need to help out those health care workers."