Canadians are getting advice to prepare against the COVID-19 virus, formerly referred to as the Coronavirus, from the federal Health Minister.
The virus, first identified in China, is slowing spread with Iran the most recent country to be struggling to cope.
Patty Hajdu says taking steps to be ready is similar to any other potential crisis.
“There’s no magic to this… it’s really about first of all making sure you have enough supplies, if someone in your family becomes ill, if you yourself become ill, that you have what you need to survive a week or so without having to go out,” says Hajdu.
The Health Minister adds that includes medication if you can’t go outside.
“To be prepared in terms of your own personal health, maybe people have certain medications that need prescriptions on a regular basis, to have enough on hand,” adds the Health Minister.
The government reminds hand washing is important, but also getting the flu shot as the influenza season is already causing a burden on the health care system.
There have been 12 cases of the COVID-19 in Canada, all linked to individuals who visited China or Iran.
