Dr. Roussin Warning of COVID-19 contact tracing hoax

Manitoba's chief provincial public health officer says he's hearing reports of a contact tracing hoax circulating.

Dr. Brent Roussin says people claiming to be public health nurses are knocking on doors.

"Those who have been tested for COVID-19 will receive a phone call from public health, officials do not typically go door-to-door..on very rare occasions will public health come to your house if they are unable to contact you in any other way," said Dr. Roussin.

Whenever someone is contacted by public health regarding COVID-19, Dr. Roussin explains officials will state their name and credentials, and he encourages Manitobans to ask for more information on those credentials at any time.

The Winnipeg Police Service is advising that suspicious encounters should be reported to non-emergency police lines. Situations that turn aggressive or violent should be reported to 9-1-1.

Meantime, Dr. Roussin says he is disappointed to hear that certain Manitobans are once again being denied medical services because of their line of work and how it relates to COVID-19.

According to the Doctor, truckers have reported being turned down for appointments with some even denied the flu shot.

"We can't accept this," said Dr. Roussin, "we can't deny care to people based on their occupation."

"Often the people who are being denied care are providing tremendous services to Manitobans," he added.

"We know this virus will be here for the foreseeable future...we need to live with this virus and deal with it...so let's all do our part to get through this together."

Dr. Roussin added stigma plays an adverse role in Manitoba's effort to manage the pandemic. "So please be kind."