Southern Health is getting some help in addressing potential staffing shortages as COVID-19 case numbers continue to climb.

New health orders were announced on Friday after the province reported projections that indicate a consistent increase in cases if we do not take steps to curb transmission.

The province announced that places of religious gatherings would be further limited unless vaccination status is checked. This new order pertains to only Southern Health as that is where there’s the biggest concern with significant case numbers each day combined with low vaccination rates.

Southern Health states that its main focus in contingency planning is to ensure that there is adequate staffing in place to deliver quality, safe care within all its sites.

In addition to redistributing resources within the region, Southern Health reports provincial partners have been very supportive in helping address potential staffing shortages.

As highly-infectious variants circulate, the Regional Health Authority is also seeing some breakthrough infections among fully vaccinated health care workers.

Southern Health states that current outbreaks and positive tests serve to remind us that none of us are immune to acquiring COVID-19, and that we must all remain vigilant to maintain the best practices in the community in an effort to reduce transmission.

This includes physical distancing and wearing a mask when distancing is not possible. Southern Health also encourages people to socialize outdoors whenever possible.

Earlier this month, the province declared outbreaks at several places within the Southern Health Region including at Fernwood in Steinbach, Third Crossing Manor Personal Care Home in Gladstone, Portage Evangelical Church, and the Medicine Unit and the Rehab Unit at Portage District General Hospital.

On Friday, November 12th, after the new restrictions were announced, Dr. Brent Roussin clearly indicated that further steps may be required if we continue to see a strain on our health care system.

Southern Health says it acknowledges the strain that COVID-19 has had on clients and staff who have contracted the virus, and on their families.

In a statement to Steinbach Online, Southern Health says, “We are grateful for continued acts of kindness by the community to support our health care workers through these difficult times.”

The R.H.A. is encouraging staff and the general public who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 to do so as quickly as possible, saying “Vaccines are safe, they work and they do more than just protect you and others from the virus. They also help to protect the capacity of our health system and health care providers to care for all Manitobans, not just those with COVID-19. We believe these unfortunate challenging times are often the moments that matter most.”