COVID-19

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a new virus that appeared December 2020. It is spread from person to person through close contact (within 6 feet) of a person coughing or sneezing. You can also get COVID-19 by touching something that has been infected by the virus, then touching your nose, mouth or eyes.

Protecting Yourself from COVID-19

The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) is taking an active approach towards addressing the current COVID-19 outbreak. Our goal is to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on our Métis Citizens by providing detailed information on prevention strategies and what steps to take if you think you may have contracted the virus.

How do you know if you are sick?

COVID-19 feels a lot like the flu, with symptoms that may appear after 2-14 days including:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

People can carry the virus without showing symptoms, so it is important to take extra care.

How can you protect yourself?

Wash your hands often with soap and water

• If soap and water are not currently available to you, use hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Stay away from people who are sick and stay home from work or school if you are sick
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow and immediately wash your hands
• Limit close contact with others, including handshakes and hugs
• Avoid large gatherings, especially if you are more likely to get sick
• Clean frequently touched surfaces on a daily basis, including door knobs, light switches, phones, and sinks
• Refer to travel advice and advisories issued by the government of Canada
• Do not panic

Which groups are at a higher risk for developing serious illness from COVID-19?

Older adults and people who have chronic illness such as lung disease, heart disease, and diabetes are at a higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. If you are in one of these higher risk groups, it is important to take extra precautions to reduce your risk of getting sick.

COVID-19 Testing

If you need a COVID-19 test, make sure you call your Métis Government at 1-833-390-1041 so we can arrange your appointment and give you directions to the site.

Should I be tested for COVID-19?

If you develop any symptoms, including fever, cough, or shortness of breath, you should stay home and contact your healthcare provider. Older adults and people with underlying medical issues should contact their healthcare provider early, even if symptoms are mild. Your doctor will be able to determine whether you should be tested.

How do I apply for my Immunization Card with the Government of Manitoba?

1. General information: Manitoba is now offering an immunization card for people who are fully immunized.
   The card allows individuals and businesses to scan Manitoba Immunization Cards to confirm a Manitoban is fully vaccinated.
   The digital and physical cards contain no personal health information or data. Rather, the cards only show the person's first and last names and a QR code. When scanned, the QR code will confirm that the person is fully vaccinated.

2. Eligibility for application for QR:

• must have a Manitoba health card
• must have received all required doses of a vaccine (that means for Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca, you require two doses.)
• must wait 14 days after getting your last dose of vaccine

3. Link for more information:
   www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/vaccine/immunization-record.html#immunization-cards