With four new presumptive cases of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan bringing the province’s total up to 20, front line workers say the province is running out of swabs to test for the virus.
The Saskatchewan Union of Nurses (SUN) said nurses are running out of nasopharyngeal swabs, which they use to test people for COVID-19.
The union said it wants anyone who’s come into contact with an infected person to be tested, regardless of their symptoms.
The union said it needs more supplies from the province, something that’s already in the works. Zambory is urging the public to stay home and self-isolate.
“If we don’t and we take our lessons from Italy, from Spain, from China, it took testing to make sure that people were not contagious,” she said.
Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:
Health officials say the risk is low for Canadians but warn this could change quickly. They caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are asked to self-isolate for 14 days in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others.
Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.
To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. And if you get sick, stay at home.
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