Officials update Canada’s Ebola preparedness

In Ontario, 10 people have been tested for possible Ebola infection, but all tests have come back negative.

Although there are no confirmed cases in this province, officials are preparing to stop any potential spread.

Health officials at federal and provincial levels held news conferences Friday on their Ebola prevention plans if it ever arrives in Canada.

As of today, hospitals across Ontario are receiving a directive about new protective equipment and training requirements.

Extra-protective equipment that doesn’t allow secretions in will soon be available to health care workers  and they’ll be trained on how to properly put it on, and take it off.

The Registered Nurses Association of Ontario held a news conference earlier this week to say they were not ready for the threat of Ebola.

Today, Minister of Health Eric Hoskins spoke from Toronto Western Hospital, one of ten in the province designated to take Ebola patients.

“Were learning from what happened in the U.S. We learned from SARS.

Hamilton Health Sciences is another designated hospital.

Halton’s chief paramedic, Greg Sage says he’s happy only dedicated vehicles will be used to transport any Ebola patients. But he expects to hear more from officials.

“Based on the info I just heard there will be more announcements in coming days.”

Canada has already promised about $35 million dollars to help contain Ebola in West Africa.

Federal Health Minister Rona Ambrose says that won’t go far enough.

“Canada is responding to a request from Ban Ki-moon to commit an additional 30 million.”

The risk to Canada is slight.

Very few travellers from the affected countries come here, and there’s never been a confirmed case in Canada.

But Abrose says it’s crucial Canada stands with West Africa.

“Canada has always been ready to assist where there’s the greatest need. This contribution makes us one of the largest donors.”

The money will come from Canada’s International Aid Fund, and it will go to places like the worldhealth.org for Ebola treatment units.