Public health officials advise three additional cases of COVID-19 have been identified as of 9:30 a.m., bringing the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba to 224.
The data also shows:
• 11 individuals are currently hospitalized, which includes five individuals in intensive care;
• 76 individuals have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the total number of deaths reported in Manitoba is three.
Cadham Provincial Laboratory performed 551 tests Wednesday. A total of 15,259 tests have been performed since early February.
Manitoba has chosen to close public facilities in provincial parks, effective immediately. While the parks will remain open, public facilities including washrooms, playgrounds, and the use of picnic areas and group shelters will be closed to ensure social distancing practices are enforced.
Public health officials are expanding testing criteria to include first responders with respiratory symptoms. This would include positions such as paramedics, police and firefighters. Current testing parameters include people with symptoms who have travelled outside Manitoba in the last 14 days, close contacts of a confirmed case, health-care workers, all patients admitted to hospital with respiratory symptoms, lab workers who have worked with COVID-19 tests, and individuals who live/work in the north, a remote or isolated community, or congregate setting.
Manitobans should not interpret current case numbers to mean the risk is reduced. The current statistics may be a reflection of the effect strict social distancing measures have had and reaffirms that these measures must be continued. Manitobans are reminded this is not the time to let their guard down. Actions taken today will affect case numbers in the weeks ahead. All Manitobans must remain vigilant to flatten the curve of this virus. This weekend is normally busy with gatherings for Easter or Passover celebrations. However, families are reminded that gatherings with anyone from outside your household are strongly discouraged.
Health officials continue to remind Manitobans to seek medical attention when it is required. For serious health issues call 911, go to an emergency department or an urgent care centre. Hospitals are safe places and health-care providers will ensure every precaution is taken while providing care.
Several community testing sites have altered hours of operation for the upcoming long weekend. Testing sites in Brandon, Dauphin, Pine Falls and Eriksdale will be closed on Good Friday.
Sites in Thompson, Flin Flon and The Pas will be open daily through the weekend, with reduced hours of 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Testing sites in Selkirk, Portage la Prairie, Steinbach and Winkler will keep regular hours this weekend.
In Winnipeg, the Mount Carmel Clinic (886 Main St.) will be closed Good Friday and Easter Sunday, while the three other Winnipeg locations will operate as regularly scheduled throughout the long weekend, as will the assessment clinic at St. James Centennial Pool.
For up-to-date information on community screening sites, visit www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/locations.html.
Public health is also advising people to remain within or close to their home communities. This includes limiting travel, even within Manitoba, to essential trips only. Visiting cottages, whether in Manitoba or a neighbouring province. is not recommended at this time. Services at smaller health centres could be strained if seasonal visitors become ill.
Any person concerned about their exposure to or risk of having COVID-19 should call Health Links–Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or (toll-free) at 1-888-315-9257 to be screened to see if a test is required.
For more information and to access the online screening tool for COVID-19, visit:
www.manitoba.ca/covid19.
A comprehensive list of Manitoba government COVID-19 measures can be found at:
https://manitoba.ca/bg/2020/04/covid19.html.