October 17, 2014
Ensuring Public Health and Safety for Families and Communities
Minister Provides Update on Ebola Preparedness and Planning
The Honourable Steve Kent, Minister of Health and Community Services, provided an update today on the ongoing work, planning and preparedness activities being undertaken by the Provincial Government and regional health authorities in the event that an Ebola case appears in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“I want to emphasize for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador that while the risk of a case of Ebola or subsequent widespread infection in this province is low, we are quickly moving forward with planning to ensure that our health system is ready to respond. This work includes ensuring proper protocols are in place, holding tabletop and mock exercises, ensuring personal protective equipment is ready and accessible in hospitals, and training our health care workers on how to use this equipment. While the response to Ebola will continue to evolve, I have great confidence in the strong infection control systems and procedures in place in our hospitals designed to provide the best care possible for patients, limit the spread of infection, and protect the public and health care workers.”
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Minister of Health and Community Services
The four regional health authorities are ramping up their training for health care providers starting this weekend. This includes hands-on training on how to use the necessary protective equipment such as impervious outerwear, N95 masks, face visors, and long gloves or double gloves depending on the medical procedure.
“The Ebola virus does not spread easily from person to person. Ebola is spread by touching the body fluids, including blood, vomit or diarrhea, of a person sick with the disease or someone who has died from it. Our province has previous experience preparing for communicable diseases like SARS and pandemic influenza, which helps us in our response to public health risks or outbreaks. The Department of Health and Community Services will continue to work closely with the Public Health Agency of Canada to monitor any recommended changes to personal protective equipment and we will make adjustments as necessary.”
- Dr. Faith Stratton, Chief Medical Officer of Health
Individuals who have recently visited a West African country where there are Ebola outbreaks, and are feeling ill, are advised to call the Newfoundland and Labrador HealthLine 24-hours a day at 1-888-709-2929 before presenting to a physician’s office or emergency department.
QUICK FACTS
- The Provincial Government is moving forward with planning and training activities to prepare for an Ebola case in the province.
- The risk of an Ebola case or widespread infection in this province is low and the disease is not spread easily from person to person.
- The regional health authorities are ramping up training for health care providers to ensure they are prepared to use the necessary protective gear if required.
- Health care provider preparation includes hands-on training on how to use the necessary protective equipment such as impervious outerwear, N95 masks, face visors, and long gloves or double gloves depending on the medical procedure.
- Individuals who have recently visited a West African country where there are Ebola outbreaks, and are feeling ill, are advised to call the Newfoundland and Labrador HealthLine at 1-888-709-2929 before presenting to a physician’s office or emergency department.
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Media contact:
Heather MacLean
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 697-4137
heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca
2014 10 17 4:15 p.m.