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Good evening everyone, Canadians that arrived on Friday, Feb 7th, on the two flights from Wuhan have 10 days left out of their 14 days of quarantined at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Trenton. A third flight from Wuhan touched down at CFB Trenton just after 6 a.m. today, Tuesday Feb 11. There were 130 Canadians and 58 accompanying family members aboard the flight, all entering their 14 day quarantine, starting today. We wish them all well, and welcome them to Canada. The World Health Organization has renamed 2019-nCoV, with the formal name of COVID-19. This name change will be reflected in future documents published by the ministry. Please see here the situational report #18 dated Feb. 11, 2020, received this evening from the Ministry of Health’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). The virus has infected 42, 638 and killed 1016 persons, in China. Their authorities continue to restrict travel to contain the outbreak. The number of confirmed cases reported to us today by the EOC, in Canada, is unchanged – seven; three of these in Ontario and four in BC. All are recovering at home in self-isolation. In Ontario, at this time, there are 19 persons under investigation with lab results pending. Please continue to be vigilant and take precautions as you have done so far, the time to relax is not here yet. The EOC continue to work hard at reviewing guidance materials based on the change communicated to us last Friday, to the case definition (travel history has been expanded to mainland China), and will issue new versions as they are finalized. See here a training document designed to provide background information on the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and a reminder regarding current infection control guidelines outlined in version 2.2 of the Patient Care and Transportation Standards (PCTS). The document also provides links to additional resources and information to ensure paramedics and Paramedic Services have access to the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19. Please remember, and remind colleagues, of our collective stewardship role of precious supplies. Also remember that health professionals’ need for supplies, including N95 masks, are being attended according to risk assessment. Health care providers – in particular acute care settings and paramedic services – facing immediate supply needs regarding personal protective equipment can email the ministry at EOCLogistics.MOH@ontario.ca. We thank you for your emails of appreciation for these daily updates and are honoured to contribute to the collective effort to keep information factual and accessible. We received only one question since yesterday and I have responded directly. A reminder to all to be up-to-date on EOC information: http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/coronavirus/2019_guidance.aspx. RNAO wants to continue to hear from you and your teams should you be experiencing any challenges – please send your emails directly to me at dgrinspun@rnao.ca. You can also access the health provider hotline and website regarding questions about the outbreak, protocols, preparedness, and more. The toll free number is 1-866-212-2272, and the health provider website, updated regularly with useful resources, can be accessed here. An important reminder that the health provider website and the toll free number are for you – as a health professional – and not for members of the general public. The ministry’s public website on the Novel Coronavirus exists to inform the general public – encourage your family and friends to access this public website. We also have information for the public on our website at www.rnao.ca which we update daily. The WHO has provided an excellent link for you to share with members of the public here. To Canadians currently quarantined in the cruise ships, and in particular those who are confirmed cases: We know the stress you are undergoing and hope to have you all back home soon! Many thanks to all our health professionals in Ontario – especially the ones working at CFB Trenton, to those working in the cruise ships, and the thousands of professionals dedicating their expertise to the people in China and other affected countries: We are with you, sending energy and love. Doris Grinspun, RN,MSN, PhD, LLD(hon), Dr(hc), FAAN, O.ONT
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