Senior Scope - Manitoba Government Media Bulletins for COVID-19

Public health officials advise the current five-day COVID-19 test positivity rate is 1.25 per cent. Forty new cases of the virus have been identified as of 9:30 a.m. today. This brings the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba to 643.

The data shows there were:
• 25 new cases in the Prairie Mountain Health region;
• five new cases in Southern Health–Santé Sud; and
• 10 new cases in the Winnipeg health region.

Preliminary investigations are ongoing but indicate the majority of Prairie Mountain Health cases continue to be linked to previously announced cases in Brandon, with early indications of community transmission. Case investigations are ongoing and when they are completed, additional information will be provided as needed to inform of any public health risks.

The data also shows:
• nine current hospitalizations, with three individuals in intensive care;
• 246 active cases and 389 individuals have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at eight.

Testing numbers show an additional 2,288 laboratory tests were completed on Thursday, bringing the total number of tests completed since early February to 110,492.

Unless recommended by public health, only individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should go for testing. Individuals with symptoms are asked to seek testing as soon as possible once symptoms are present.

Public health officials are advising of two potential exposure to COVID-19 may have occurred. The first potential exposure was on Aug. 7 at the Sobey’s at 1570 18th St. in Brandon and Aug. 10 at the Minnedosa Hospital at 334 First St.

The second exposure is on Aug. 9 at the Cartwright Town and Country Golf Club, along PTH 3, just west of Cartwright.

While the risk of transmission is considered low, information is being provided to help people assess their risk and seek testing if symptoms appear.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, new the COVID-19 dashboard with new health districts offering data at the local level and possible exposures can be found by visiting www.manitoba.ca/COVID19.

Public health officials advise no new cases of COVID-19 were identified as of 9:30 a.m. today. The total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba remains 314.

The data also shows:
• no individuals in hospital or intensive care,
• 14 active cases and 293 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19, and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at seven.

An additional 581 laboratory tests were performed yesterday. This brings the total number of tests performed since early February to 58,801.

The Manitoba government is asking for feedback on conceptual designs for personal care home shelters. The shelters will be outside, but close to personal care homes year-round. They must be accessible, protected from the elements, easily cleaned and provide a space for quality connections. Feedback can be provided at http://EngageMB.ca.

Updated enforcement statistics are now posted online and updated weekly. For more information go to Cross-Departmental Reports at www.gov.mb.ca/openmb/infomb/departments.html.

Public health officials advise there is one new case of COVID-19 identified as of 9:30 a.m. today. The total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba is 309.

The data also shows:
• no individuals in hospital or intensive care,
• nine active cases and 293 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19, and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at seven.

An additional 626 laboratory tests were performed yesterday. This brings the total number of tests performed since early February to 56,317.

The hours of operation at the Thunderbird House COVID-19 testing site have changed. The site is now open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additionally, it will be closed Monday, June 22 for National Indigenous Peoples Day. For information on testing sites visit https://manitoba.ca/covid19/locations.html.

Public health officials advise two new cases of COVID-19 have been identified as of 9:30 a.m. today. The total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba is 297.

The data also shows:
• no individuals in hospital or intensive care;
• 12 active cases and 278 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at seven.

As of yesterday, an additional 406 laboratory tests were performed. This brings the total number of tests performed since early February to 45,099.

Public health officials advise one new case of COVID-19 has been identified as of 9:30 a.m. today. The total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba is 295.

The data also shows:
• no individuals in hospital or intensive care;
• 10 active cases and 278 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at seven.

As of yesterday, an additional 874 laboratory tests were performed. This brings the total number of tests performed since early February to 43,886.
On Monday, June 1, Manitoba will enter Phase Two of the Restoring Safe Services plan. More information, including workplace guidance for businesses, can be found at:
www.manitoba.ca/restoringsafeservices.

A comprehensive list of Manitoba government COVID-19 measures can be found at:
https://manitoba.ca/bg/2020/04/covid19.html.

Public health officials advise no new cases of COVID-19 have been identified as of 9:30 a.m. today. The total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba remains at 294.

The data also shows:
• no individuals in hospital or intensive care;
• nine active cases and 278 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at seven.

As of yesterday, an additional 704 laboratory tests were performed. This brings the total number of tests performed since early February to 43,008.

On Monday, June 1, Manitoba will enter Phase Two of the Restoring Safe Services plan. More information, including workplace guidance for businesses, can be found at:
www.manitoba.ca/restoringsafeservices.

A comprehensive list of Manitoba government COVID-19 measures can be found at:
https://manitoba.ca/bg/2020/04/covid19.html.

Public health officials advise no new cases of COVID-19 have been identified as of 9:30 a.m. today. The total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba remains at 292.

The data also shows:
• no individuals in hospital or intensive care;
• 17 active cases and 268 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at seven.

As of yesterday, an additional 343 laboratory tests were performed. This brings the total number of tests performed since early February to 38,962.

For up-to-date information on testing criteria and community screening sites, visit www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/locations.html. For more information and to access the online screening tool for COVID-19, visit www.manitoba.ca/covid19.

The draft plan for restoring services in Phase Two released May 21 builds on measures from Restoring Safe Services: Manitoba’s Pandemic and Economic Roadmap for Recovery, which set out an evidence-based plan to ease public health measures that had escalated since mid-January. As of May 22, gathering size limits were increased to 25 people indoor and 50 outdoor, while professional sports teams were allowed to return to their training facilities, as long as precautions were taken and the public is not allowed into those facilities.

Detailed information on the draft plan for Phase Two of service restoration can be found at www.manitoba.ca/covid19/restoring/index.html.

Manitobans can provide their feedback on the draft plan by visiting https://engagemb.ca/.

A comprehensive list of Manitoba government COVID-19 measures can be found at:
https://manitoba.ca/bg/2020/04/covid19.html.

Public health officials advise two new cases of COVID-19 have been identified as of 9:30 a.m. today. The total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba is 292.

The data also shows:
• one individual is currently hospitalized, with no individuals in intensive care;
• 18 active cases and 267 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at seven.

As of yesterday, an additional 873 laboratory tests were performed. This brings the total number of tests performed since early February to 37,272.

Effective today, public health orders have been modified to increase the limit on gathering size to no more than 25 people for indoor premises and 50 for outdoor areas, providing social distancing measures are in place. In addition, players, coaches, managers, training staff and medical personnel employed by or affiliated with a professional sports team may attend the team's facilities for the purposes of training and practicing, provided that no members of the public are permitted to enter those facilities.

Understanding the patterns and trends of COVID-19 transmission is an important component of Manitoba’s reopening strategy and will inform the gradual lifting of public health restrictions and other elements of the province’s COVID-19 response. Manitoba has developed several options for sentinel testing including introducing voluntary asymptomatic testing for clients in a number of health-care settings to further monitor the presence of COVID-19 in the province.
Manitobans who present for non-COVID-19 related care may be offered the testing as part of sentinel surveillance. Testing for COVID-19 is still not recommended for Manitobans who do not have symptoms associated with the virus. People without symptoms should not seek out testing at this time.

Restoring Safe Services: Manitoba’s Pandemic and Economic Roadmap for Recovery is available at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/restoring/. Businesses with questions about how the new orders apply to them should visit https://engagemb.ca/.

A comprehensive list of Manitoba government COVID-19 measures can be found at:
https://manitoba.ca/bg/2020/04/covid19.html.

Public health officials advise one new case of COVID-19 has been identified as of 9 a.m. today. The total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba is 290.

The data also shows:
• one individual is currently hospitalized, with no individuals in intensive care;
• 26 active cases and 257 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at seven.

As of yesterday, an additional 487 laboratory tests were performed. This brings the total number of tests performed since early February to 35,200.
It is important to note that while some gradual lifting of restrictions has begun, significant work to limit the spread of COVID-19 must continue. If you travel for camping or to the cottage, you are reminded to take steps to maintain social distancing.

Manitobans are reminded that travel is not permitted from southern Manitoba to areas north of the 53rd parallel, including campgrounds, which is essentially anywhere north of the northern end of Lake Winnipeg.

Manitobans experiencing COVID-19 symptoms no longer require a referral from Health Links–Info Santé or their family physician before heading to a community site for COVID-19 testing. Anyone with symptoms is still encouraged to use the online screening tool to determine whether they meet the necessary criteria to be tested.
For Victoria Day, the Sargent Tommy Prince Place testing site and assessment clinic in Winnipeg will be open, as will the Bison Drive drive-thru site. Testing locations in Winkler and Selkirk will also be open. All other locations throughout the province will be closed today and reopen tomorrow.

Restoring Safe Services: Manitoba’s Pandemic and Economic Roadmap for Recovery is available at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/restoring/. Businesses with questions about how the public health orders apply to them should visit https://engagemb.ca/.

A comprehensive list of Manitoba government COVID-19 measures can be found at:
https://manitoba.ca/bg/2020/04/covid19.html.

Public health officials advise no new cases of COVID-19 have been identified as of 9:30 a.m. today. In addition, one case that had been considered probable has been ruled as negative, so the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba is 289.

The data also shows:
• four individuals are currently hospitalized, with one individual in intensive care;
• 30 active cases and 252 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at seven.

As of yesterday, an additional 306 laboratory tests were performed. This brings the total number of tests performed since early February to 32,244.

The probable case that has been removed is one related to the workplace cluster in the Prairie Mountain Health region, which means the total cases in that cluster is reduced to 10.

It is important to note that while some gradual lifting of restrictions has begun, significant work to limit the spread of COVID-19 must continue. Public health is also advising people to remain within or close to their home communities. The request to stay home as much as possible is still in place at this time. This includes limiting travel, even within Manitoba and neighbouring jurisdictions, to essential trips only. With the long weekend approaching, Manitobans are reminded that travel is not permitted from southern Manitoba to areas, including campgrounds, north of the 53rd parallel, which is essentially anywhere north of the northern end of Lake Winnipeg.

Manitobans experiencing flu or cold-like symptoms no longer require a referral from Health Links-Info Santé or their family physician before heading to a community site for COVID-19 testing. Anyone with symptoms is still encouraged to use the online screening tool to determine whether they meet the necessary criteria to be tested.

A comprehensive list of Manitoba government COVID-19 measures can be found at:
https://manitoba.ca/bg/2020/04/covid19.html.

Public health officials advise one new case of COVID-19 has been identified as of 9:30 a.m. today. The total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba is 290.
The data also shows:
• four individuals are currently hospitalized, with one individual in intensive care;
• 32 active cases and 251 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at seven.
As of yesterday, an additional 418 laboratory tests were performed. This brings the total number of tests performed since early February to 31,440.
The additional case is related to the workplace cluster in the Prairie Mountain Health region, bringing the total to 11 cases. There is no cause for concern and this is not unexpected as public health officials continue to investigate and trace contacts. Affected staff and their close contacts are self-isolating, and public health officials are continuing with detailed contact tracing.
Restoring Safe Services: Manitoba’s Pandemic and Economic Roadmap for Recovery is available at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/restoring/. Businesses with questions about how the new orders apply to them should visit https://engagemb.ca/.
A comprehensive list of Manitoba government COVID-19 measures can be found at:
https://manitoba.ca/bg/2020/04/covid19.html.
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Public health officials advise two new cases of COVID-19 have been identified as of 9:30 a.m. today. The total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba is 289.

The data also shows:
• four individuals are currently hospitalized, with one individual in intensive care;
• 35 active cases and 247 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at seven.

As of yesterday, an additional 374 laboratory tests were performed. This brings the total number of tests performed since early February to 31,029.

Over the weekend, two additional cases were added to the workplace cluster in the Prairie Mountain Health region, bringing the total to 10 cases. There is no cause for concern and this is not unexpected as public health officials continue to investigate and trace contacts. Affected staff and their close contacts are self-isolating and public health officials are continuing with detailed contact tracing.

Restoring Safe Services: Manitoba’s Pandemic and Economic Roadmap for Recovery is available at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/restoring/. Businesses with questions about how the new orders apply to them should visit https://engagemb.ca/.

Public health officials advise three new cases of COVID-19 have been identified as of 9:30 a.m. today. The total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba is 287.

The data also shows:
• four individuals are currently hospitalized, with one individual in intensive care;
• 33 active cases and 247 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at seven.

As of yesterday, an additional 641 laboratory tests were performed. This brings the total number of tests performed since early February to 30,647.

Public health officials advise no new cases of COVID-19 have been identified as of 9:30 a.m. today. The total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba remains 284.

The data also shows:
• four individuals are currently hospitalized, with no individuals in intensive care;
• 30 active cases and 247 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at seven.

As of yesterday, an additional 682 laboratory tests were performed. This brings the total number of tests performed since early February to 30,014.

Public health officials advise one new case of COVID-19 has been identified as of 9:30 a.m. today. The total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba is 284.

The data also shows:
• five individuals are currently hospitalized, with no individuals in intensive care;
• 30 active cases and 247 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at seven.

As of yesterday, an additional 543 laboratory tests were performed. This brings the total number of tests performed since early February to 29,343.

One additional person has tested positive from the workplace cluster in the Prairie Mountain Health region, bringing the total to eight cases. There is no cause for concern, and this is not unexpected as public health officials continue to investigate and trace contacts. Affected staff and their close contacts are self-isolating and public health officials are continuing with detailed contact tracing.

The Manitoba government is lifting the one-month supply limit on prescription drugs. Effective May 11, Manitobans who have prescriptions for long-term medications will be able to fill them as per their prescriber’s directions up to a three-month supply, if the drug is not affected by shortages. Limits on prescription refills were imposed on March 19 in order to minimize potential distribution shortages and prevent people from stockpiling medication.

Restoring Safe Services: Manitoba’s Pandemic and Economic Roadmap for Recovery is available at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/restoring/. Businesses with questions about how the new orders apply to them should visit https://engagemb.ca/.

The data also shows:
• five individuals are currently hospitalized, with no individuals in intensive care;
• 33 active cases and 243 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at seven.

As of yesterday, an additional 527 laboratory tests were performed. This brings the total number of tests performed since early February to 28,810.

Restoring Safe Services: Manitoba’s Pandemic and Economic Roadmap for Recovery is available at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/restoring/. Updates have been made to this document to clarify inconsistencies between the plan and the recent public health orders. Businesses with questions about how the new orders apply to them should visit https://engagemb.ca/.

Public health officials advise two new cases of COVID-19 have been identified as of 9:30 a.m. today. The total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba is 284.

The data also shows:
• five individuals are currently hospitalized, with no individuals in intensive care;
• 35 active cases and 242 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at seven.

As of yesterday, an additional 522 laboratory tests were performed. This brings the total number of tests performed since early February to 28,294.

Public health officials have now increased the number of cases associated with a workplace cluster in the Prairie Mountain Health region to seven. There is no cause for concern, and this type of increase is not unexpected as contact tracing expands and additional testing is conducted. Affected staff and their close contacts are self-isolating, and public health officials are continuing with detailed contact tracing. As this workplace is not related to health care or food supply and does not involve any significant interaction with the general public, no further details about the business will be released at this time. If public health officials believe there is an increased risk to the public, additional information will be provided.

The data also shows:
• four individuals are currently hospitalized, with no individuals in intensive care;
• 37 active cases and 238 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 is now seven.

As of yesterday, an additional 339 laboratory tests were performed. This brings the total number of tests performed since early February to 27,775.

Public health officials are aware of a small cluster of five cases at a workplace in the Prairie Mountain Health region. Affected staff and their close contacts are self-isolating and public health officials are working with these patients to undertake detailed contact tracing. Officials are working co-operatively with the company to test other workers who may have been exposed and to implement sanitization protocols at the worksite. If public health officials believe there is an increased risk to the public, additional information will be provided.

Restoring Safe Services: Manitoba’s Pandemic and Economic Roadmap for Recovery is available at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/restoring/. Updates have been made to this document to clarify inconsistencies between the plan and the recent public health orders. Businesses with questions about how the new orders apply to them should visit https://engagemb.ca/.

A comprehensive list of Manitoba government COVID-19 measures can be found at: https://manitoba.ca/bg/2020/04/covid19.html.

Public health officials advise no new cases of COVID-19 have been identified as of 9:30 a.m. today. The total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba remains at 281.

The data also shows:
• five individuals are currently hospitalized, with no individuals in intensive care;
• 37 active cases and 238 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at six.

As of yesterday, an additional 642 laboratory tests were performed. This brings the total number of tests performed since early February to 27,446.

All Manitobans returning to work are now eligible to access the temporary child-care system to find a location that meets their needs. Families can use the online tool at https://eswchildcare.ca/ to view available spaces and then contact centres directly to finalize arrangements. Licensed centres are able to provide care for up to 16 children per centre. Larger centres with separate rooms and external entrances can accommodate up to 16 children per room. Home-based child-care providers can continue to provide care for up to eight children.

A secure portal that allows Manitobans who have been tested for COVID-19 to access their negative test results is now online. Starting today, people being tested for the virus in Manitoba will receive information about how to register to access their results at https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/test-results/. A Manitoba Health card is required.

Those without a Manitoba Health card or internet access can retrieve their results by calling (toll-free) 1-844-960-1984 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., seven days per week. As always, public health officials will directly notify Manitobans who have tested positive for COVID-19.

Restoring Safe Services: Manitoba’s Pandemic and Economic Roadmap for Recovery is available at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/restoring/. Updates have been made to this document to clarify inconsistencies between the plan and the recent public health orders. Businesses with questions about how the new orders apply to them should visit https://engagemb.ca/.

Public health officials advise one new case of COVID-19 has been identified as of 9:30 a.m. today, bringing the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba to 281.

The data also shows:
• five individuals are currently hospitalized, with no individuals in intensive care;
• 38 active cases and 237 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at six.

As of yesterday, an additional 643 laboratory tests were performed. This brings the total number of tests performed since early February to 26,806.

For up-to-date information on testing criteria and community screening sites, visit www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/locations.html. For more information and to access the online screening tool for COVID-19, visit www.manitoba.ca/covid19.

All Manitobans returning to work are now eligible to access the temporary child-care system to find a location that meets their needs. Families can use the online tool at https://eswchildcare.ca/ to view available spaces and then contact centres directly to finalize arrangements. Licensed centres are able to provide care for up to 16 children per centre. Larger centres with separate rooms and external entrances can accommodate up to 16 children per room. Home-based child-care providers can continue to provide care for up to eight children.

Restoring Safe Services Together, Manitoba’s pandemic and economic roadmap for recovery is available at www.manitoba.ca/restoringsafeservices. Updates have been made to this document to clarify inconsistencies between the plan and the recent public health orders. Businesses with questions about how the new orders apply to them should visit https://engagemb.ca/.

A comprehensive list of Manitoba government COVID-19 measures can be found at:
https://manitoba.ca/bg/2020/04/covid19.html.

Public health officials advise one new case of COVID-19 has been identified as of 9:30 a.m. today, bringing the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba to 280.

The data also shows:
• six individuals are currently hospitalized, with no individuals in intensive care;
• 38 active cases and 236 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at six.

As of yesterday, an additional 780 laboratory tests were performed. This brings the total number of tests performed since early February to 26,169.

It is important to note that while some gradual lifting of restrictions has begun, significant work to limit the spread of COVID-19 must continue. Public health officials are also advising people to remain within or close to their home communities. The request to stay home as much as possible is still in place at this time. This includes limiting travel, even within Manitoba and neighbouring jurisdictions, to essential trips only.

All Manitobans returning to work are now eligible to access the temporary child-care system to find a location that meets their needs. Families can use the online tool at https://eswchildcare.ca/ to view available spaces and then contact centres directly to finalize arrangements. Licensed centres are able to provide care for up to 16 children per centre. Larger centres with separate rooms and external entrances can accommodate up to 16 children per room. Home-based child-care providers can continue to provide care for up to eight children.

Restoring Safe Services: Manitoba’s Pandemic and Economic Roadmap for recovery is available at www.manitoba.ca/restoringsafeservices. Updates have been made to this document to clarify inconsistencies between the plan and the recent public health orders. Businesses with questions about how the new orders apply to them should visit https://engagemb.ca/.

A comprehensive list of Manitoba government COVID-19 measures can be found at:
https://manitoba.ca/bg/2020/04/covid19.html.

Public health officials advise four new cases of COVID-19 have been identified as of 9:30 a.m. today, bringing the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba to 279.

The data also shows:
• five individuals are currently hospitalized, with no individuals in intensive care;
• 38 active cases and 235 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at six.

As of yesterday, an additional 689 laboratory tests were performed. This brings the total number of tests performed since early February to 25,402.

Public health orders restricting staff from working in more than one licensed personal care home (PCH) have been signed and will take effect today. The single-site restriction is intended to provide additional protection against the introduction and/or spread of the COVID-19 virus within PCHs.

In recognition of the vulnerability of the PCH population to severe illness and/or death related to the virus, provincial planning has been underway to ensure the change is able to be implemented quickly while ensuring stable staffing and service continuity. As of today, all of Manitoba’s 127 licensed PCHs have confirmed readiness, with staff in place.

The province is also launching an education campaign on being ‘COVID careful’ in cottage country to remind all campers and cottagers that COVID-19 guidelines must be followed. The goal is to raise awareness and encourage Manitobans to do the same within their social networks by posting supportive educational messages.

The campaign will include portable signs and education stops on key highway routes, new materials that can be displayed in car and cottage windows, as well as a social media campaign, all designed to show that cottagers in provincial parks and across the province are aware of their responsibilities and are encouraging others to stay mindful.

A secure online portal is being established to allow Manitobans who have been tested for COVID-19 to more quickly access their negative test results. Starting next week, when people are tested they will receive information about how to register and access these results. Users will need a Manitoba health registration card in order to access their results online.

A toll-free number will be available early next week to provide results to those without a Manitoba health card or those without internet access. As always, public health officials will directly notify Manitobans who have tested positive for COVID-19.

A new drive-thru community testing site opened today in Swan River, at the Manitoba Public Insurance facility, 125 Fourth Ave. North. Hours of operation are daily from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is Manitoba’s 16th community testing site and ninth drive-thru location.

Additionally, work is underway to get a new testing site established at Thunderbird House to support access to testing for Winnipeg’s homeless and shelter populations, as well as a new mobile service available in the next two weeks to serve clients with limited mobility.

A comprehensive list of Manitoba government COVID-19 measures can be found at:
https://manitoba.ca/bg/2020/04/covid19.html.

Public health officials advise two new cases of COVID-19 have been identified as of 9:30 a.m. today, bringing the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba to 275.

The data also shows:
• five individuals are currently hospitalized, with no individuals in intensive care;
• 49 active cases and 220 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at six.

As of yesterday, an additional 424 laboratory tests were performed. This brings the total number of tests performed since early February to 24,723.

Public Health orders restricting staff from working in more than one licensed personal care home (PCH) have been signed and will take effect May 1. The single-site restriction is intended to provide additional protection against the introduction and/or spread of the COVID-19 virus within PCHs.

In recognition of the vulnerability of the PCH population to severe illness and/or death related to the virus, provincial planning has been underway to ensure the change is able to be implemented quickly while ensuring stable staffing and service continuity. Of the 127 licensed PCHs in Manitoba, 121 have confirmed readiness, with work ongoing to address staffing issues at the remaining sites by the weekend.

It is important to note that while some gradual lifting or restrictions has begun, significant work to limit the spread of COVID-19 must continue. Public health is also advising people to remain within or close to their home communities. The request to stay home as much as possible is still in place at this time. This includes limiting travel, even within Manitoba, to essential trips only. Visits to cottages are not recommended at this time. Services at smaller health centres could be strained if seasonal visitors become ill.

A new drive-thru community testing site will open Friday in Swan River, at the Manitoba Public Insurance facility, 125 Fourth Ave. North. Hours of operation will be daily from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is Manitoba’s 16th community testing site and ninth drive-thru location.

Businesses with questions about how the new orders apply to them should visit www.engagemb.ca.

A comprehensive list of Manitoba government COVID-19 measures can be found at:
https://manitoba.ca/bg/2020/04/covid19.html.

Public health officials advise one new case of COVID-19 has been identified as of 9:30 a.m. today, bringing the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba to 273.

The data also shows:
• five individuals are currently hospitalized, with no individuals in intensive care;
• 54 active cases and 213 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at six.

As of yesterday, an additional 448 laboratory tests were performed. This brings the total number of tests performed since early February to 24,304.
Today, health officials released information about the models developed in Manitoba to inform the management plan for the COVID-19 pandemic in Manitoba. A model for the spread of COVID-19 was created, using data and information available in the scientific literature from other jurisdictions and with input from experts in Manitoba.

Officials noted that modelling results are always an abstraction and cannot project all possible outcomes. Outbreaks also evolve and change over time as public health measures are put in place and people’s behaviour changes. Therefore, these projections must be constantly revised. As new information is received, officials will continue to refine the projections, models and health advice for Manitobans.

Current models show that:
• under routine public health measures, which include case interviews and contact tracing but which do not include social and physical distancing or travel restrictions, modeling suggests Manitoba would have had 933 cases by April 25. If that trend had continued, there would have been more than 2,000 cases by mid-May. However, the number of cases on April 25 was 267.
• under current public health measures, Manitoba could expect approximately 6,250 cases if the current measures remain in place for a year.
• the Manitoba health-care system has 2,432 acute care medical and surgical hospital beds. As of April 26, 977 of these beds were currently vacant and available for COVID-19 patients, a 40 per cent vacancy rate. This shows Manitoba is well within hospital capacity at this time.
• the Manitoba health-care system has 86 adult intensive care hospital beds. As of April 22, 29 of these beds were vacant and available for COVID-19 patients, a 34 per cent vacancy rate. This shows Manitoba is well within intensive care capacity at this time.

This data supports the easing of public health measures, as announced earlier today. Officials also noted that planning is underway to add an additional 300 beds and an additional 100 intensive care beds for COVID-19 patients, if needed. Additional capacity options are being investigated if they are necessary.

A comprehensive list of Manitoba government COVID-19 measures can be found at:
https://manitoba.ca/bg/2020/04/covid19.html.

Public health officials advise no new cases of COVID-19 have been identified as of 9:30 a.m. today. The total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba remains at 272.

The data also shows:
• seven individuals are currently hospitalized, which includes two individuals in intensive care;
• 57 active cases and 209 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at six.

As of yesterday, an additional 321 laboratory tests were performed. This brings the total number of tests performed since early February to 23,857.

Public health officials are expanding testing criteria to now include all symptomatic Manitobans. Testing has gradually been expanding, and with increased capacity the province is now ready to test anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19. However, Manitobans who are showing symptoms must still be referred for testing. For more information call Health Links–Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or (toll-free) at 1-888-315-9257.

A comprehensive list of Manitoba government COVID-19 measures can be found at:
https://manitoba.ca/bg/2020/04/covid19.html.

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April 27 , 2020
COVID-19 BULLETIN #64

Public health officials advise one new case of COVID-19 was identified as of 9:30 a.m. today, bringing the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba to 272.

The data also shows:
• seven individuals are currently hospitalized, which includes two individuals in intensive care;
• 61 active cases and 205 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at six.

As of yesterday, an additional 377 laboratory tests were performed. This brings the total number of tests performed since early February to 23,543.

Manitobans are reminded that if they are showing symptoms of COVID-19 and meet testing criteria, they can call Health Links–Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or (toll-free) at 1-888-315-9257 for more information.

A comprehensive list of Manitoba government COVID-19 measures can be found at:
https://manitoba.ca/bg/2020/04/covid19.html.

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April 26 , 2020
COVID-19 BULLETIN #63

Public health officials advise four new cases of COVID-19 were identified as of 9:30 a.m. today, bringing the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba to 271.

The data also shows:
• eight individuals are currently hospitalized, which includes two individuals in intensive care;
• 66 active cases and 199 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at six.

As of yesterday, an additional 407 laboratory tests were performed. There were an additional 165 tests performed Friday that were not included in Saturday’s bulletin. This brings the total number of tests performed since early February to 23,167.

Public health officials have expanded testing criteria. It is important for people who meet the criteria and are showing even mild symptoms of COVID-19, including a cough, a runny nose, a sore throat and a fever, to be tested to determine better the spread of the virus in Manitoba.

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. Visits to cottages are not recommended at this time. Services at smaller health centres could be strained if seasonal visitors become ill.

A comprehensive list of Manitoba government COVID-19 measures can be found at:
https://manitoba.ca/bg/2020/04/covid19.html.

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April 25 , 2020
COVID-19 BULLETIN #62

Public health officials advise four new cases of COVID-19 were identified as of 9:30 a.m. today, bringing the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba to 267.

The data also shows:
• seven individuals are currently hospitalized, which includes two individuals in intensive care;
• 62 active cases and 199 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at six.

As of yesterday, an additional 435 laboratory tests were performed at Cadham Provincial Laboratory . This brings the total number of tests performed since early February to 22,598.

Public health officials have expanded testing criteria. It is important for people who meet the criteria and are showing even mild symptoms of COVID-19, including a cough, a runny nose, a sore throat and a fever, to be tested to better determine the spread of the virus in Manitoba.

Manitobans needing assistance to cope with the stress and anxiety created by COVID-19 are encouraged to access a digital mental health virtual therapy program. The program is a free and confidential behavioural-therapy service for all Manitobans 16 years old and over. Services are available in English and French and can be accessed at www.manitoba.ca/covid19.

Crisis mental-health services continue to be available through partner organizations in Manitoba at www.gov.mb.ca/health/mh/crisis.html.

A comprehensive list of Manitoba government COVID-19 measures can be found at:
https://manitoba.ca/bg/2020/04/covid19.html.

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April 24 , 2020
COVID-19 BULLETIN #61

Public health officials advise one new case of COVID-19 was identified as of 9:30 a.m. today, bringing the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba to 263.

The data also shows:
• seven individuals are currently hospitalized, which includes three individuals in intensive care;
• 61 active cases and 196 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at six.

As of yesterday, an additional 786 laboratory tests were performed. This brings the total number of tests performed since early February to 22,172.

Over the past four weeks, a number of non-urgent surgical and diagnostic procedures have been postponed for patients identified as being clinically able to wait without risk of negative outcomes. Postponements are part of the provincial effort to ensure flexibility and availability in the allocation of staff, beds, equipment and supplies required to respond to COVID-19.

Case-by-case clinical assessment has ensured urgent and emergent procedures, as well as those patients who may become urgent or emergent during the postponement timeframe, are completed. Patient safety and avoiding negative outcomes remain the priority.

Over the next week, a number of facilities across the province will begin to increase their surgical activity. This includes increased surgical activity at Health Sciences Centre, the Pan Am Clinic, Concordia Hospital, Misericordia Health Centre, Grace Hospital, St. Boniface Hospital, Victoria General Hospital, Boundary Trails Health Centre, Selkirk Regional Health Centre and Brandon General Hospital.

Surgeries will be scheduled for the most urgent cases first and all necessary precautions, including point of care testing, appropriate PPE and limiting the number of staff in the room to those who are essential for patient care, will be taken to protect staff and patients from the risk of COVID-19. Patients will be contacted directly about scheduling their surgery.

Manitoba is part of a national effort to share important medical equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) and has agreed to divert 100 vital sign monitors to Quebec and Ontario – two of the hardest-hit provinces in the fight against COVID-19. The equipment was to arrive in Manitoba next week but will now be diverted to Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto and the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal. Manitoba is early in the response to COVID-19 and clinical leaders are confident the province is able to provide this assistance without risk to Manitobans. Another shipment of equipment is expected to arrive in Manitoba in about a month.

Public health officials have expanded testing criteria. It is important for people who meet the criteria and are showing even mild symptoms of COVID-19, including a cough, a runny nose, a sore throat and a fever, to be tested to better determine the spread of the virus in Manitoba.

Manitobans needing assistance to cope with the stress and anxiety created by COVID-19 are encouraged to access the online virtual therapy program. The program is a free and confidential behavioural-therapy service for all Manitobans 16 years old and over. Services are available in English and French and can be accessed at www.manitoba.ca/covid19.

Crisis mental-health services continue to be available through partner organizations in Manitoba at www.gov.mb.ca/health/mh/crisis.html.

A comprehensive list of Manitoba government COVID-19 measures can be found at:
https://manitoba.ca/bg/2020/04/covid19.html.

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April 23 , 2020
COVID-19 BULLETIN #60

Public health officials advise five new cases of COVID-19 were identified as of 9:30 a.m. today, bringing the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba to 262.

The data also shows:
• seven individuals are currently hospitalized, which includes two individuals in intensive care;
• 82 active cases and 174 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at six.

The province advises there was an error in the numbers reported yesterday. The actual total should have been reported as 21,061. As of yesterday, an additional 327 laboratory tests were performed. This brings the total number of tests performed since early February to 21,387.

Public health officials have expanded testing criteria. It is important for people who meet the criteria and are showing even mild symptoms of COVID-19, including a cough, a runny nose, a sore throat and a fever, to be tested to better determine the spread of the virus in Manitoba.

A comprehensive list of Manitoba government COVID-19 measures can be found at:
https://manitoba.ca/bg/2020/04/covid19.html.

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April 22 , 2020
COVID-19 BULLETIN #59

Public health officials advise two new cases of COVID-19 were identified as of 9:30 a.m. today, bringing the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba to 257.

The data also shows:
• seven individuals are currently hospitalized, which includes three individuals in intensive care;
• 97 active cases and 154 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at six.

There were 440 laboratory tests performed on Tuesday. A total of 21,601 tests have been performed since early February.

Public health officials have expanded testing criteria. It is important for people who meet the criteria and are showing even mild symptoms of COVID-19, including a cough, a runny nose, a sore throat and a fever, to be tested to better determine the spread of the virus in Manitoba.

A comprehensive list of Manitoba government COVID-19 measures can be found at:
https://manitoba.ca/bg/2020/04/covid19.html.

Public health officials advise one new case of COVID-19 was identified as of 9:30 a.m. today, bringing the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba to 255.

The data also shows:
• seven individuals are currently hospitalized, which includes four individuals in intensive care;
• 99 active cases and 150 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at six.
Cadham Provincial Laboratory performed 314 tests on Monday. A total of 20,319 tests have been performed since early February.

Public health officials have expanded testing criteria to ensure there is capacity to do additional testing. It is important for people showing symptoms of COVID-19, including a cough, a runny nose, a sore throat and a fever, to be tested to better determine the spread of the virus in Manitoba.

Manitobans are reminded that if they are showing symptoms of COVID-19 and meet testing criteria, they should call Health Links–Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or (toll-free) at 1-888-315-9257.

Public health officials advise Manitobans to stay home as much as possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This includes only travelling to the cottage or second residence if needed. If people must travel, they are encourage to:
• only travel with family members,
• not visit with others on arrival,
• avoid stopping for gas or other supplies on the way, and
• only visit local health-care providers in case of emergency.

Manitoba health officials are taking every available and appropriate step to protect the province’s health-care workforce from exposure to COVID-19 so they are able to take care of sick and vulnerable Manitobans over the coming weeks and months. This includes steps to enhance screening at all health-care facilities, implement visitor restrictions, encourage virtual visit options and postpone non-essential services.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a supplement to these and other measures including strict hand hygiene and both social and physical distancing.

Similar to other jurisdictions, Manitoba has engaged experts in infection prevention and control, and occupational and environmental health and safety to identify the supplies required to protect workers in critical and priority services.

Settings and situations have been categorized according to the level of risk to workers and to the population they are caring for and the required PPE has been set out accordingly. These include:
• green zones, which are settings and situations involving care or service for individuals who are not considered COVID-19 suspects;
• orange zones, which are settings and situations involving care or service for individuals who meet the criteria for COVID-19 testing, AND who have been tested AND whose results are pending; and
• red zones, which are settings and situations involving care or service for individuals who have been tested and confirmed to have COVID-19.

To conserve PPE for health-care workers, public health officials are recommending all people who enter a health-care facility wear a cloth mask to protect others. In addition, patients and clients are encouraged to wear non-medical face masks during any health-care interaction, as well as when using public transit, handi-transit or a taxi.

A comprehensive list of Manitoba government COVID-19 measures can be found at:
https://manitoba.ca/bg/2020/04/covid19.html.

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April 20 , 2020
COVID-19 BULLETIN #57

Public health officials advise one new case of COVID-19 was identified as of 9:30 a.m. today, bringing the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba to 254. In addition, a sixth death has been reported, a woman in her 80s. No other patient-specific information is available at this time.

The data also shows:
• eight individuals are currently hospitalized, which includes five individuals in intensive care;
• 105 active cases and 144 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 is now six.

On March 20, the Manitoba government declared a provincewide state of emergency under The Emergency Measures Act, to protect the health and safety of all Manitobans and reduce the spread of COVID-19. This state of emergency is being extended for an additional 30 days.

This builds on the expansion of public health orders that limit the size of gatherings, close restaurants and non-critical businesses, require people entering Manitoba to self-isolate for 14 days and restrict travel to northern Manitoba (north of the 53rd parallel of latitude).

Extending the state of emergency will ensure measures can stay in place to protect the health of people across the province.

Cadham Provincial Laboratory performed 260 tests on Sunday. A total of 20,012 tests have been performed since early February. Public health officials have continued to expand testing criteria and want to ensure all those who are eligible for testing are tested. Anyone who thinks they might meet the criteria for testing should call Health Links–Info Santé or work through the online screening tool to determine if they should be tested.

Testing is focused on symptomatic people from the following categories:
• travellers returning to Manitoba;
• close contact with a confirmed case;
• lab workers who have worked with COVID-19 tests;
• health-care workers;
• people who live/work in the north, isolated or group settings, correctional facilities, shelters, long-term care or residential facilities or remote work camps;
• first responders;
• workers or volunteers at workplaces that have been identified as essential services; and
• any symptomatic person who lives with a health-care worker, first responder or worker in a congregate setting such as a correctional facility, shelter, long-term care or residential facility.

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 up-to-date information on community screening sites, visit:
www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/locations.html.

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.

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April 19 , 2020
COVID-19 BULLETIN #56

Public health officials advise as of 9:30 a.m. today, the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba remains at 253.

The data also shows:
• eight individuals are currently hospitalized, which includes five individuals in intensive care;
• 105 active cases and 143 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at five.
Cadham Provincial Laboratory performed 570 tests on Saturday. A total of 19,752 tests have been performed since early February.
Public health officials have expanded testing criteria to include:
• all symptomatic workers or volunteers at workplaces that have been identified as essential services; and
• any symptomatic person who lives with a health-care worker, first responder or worker in a congregate setting such as a correctional facility, shelter, long-term care or residential facility.

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.

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April 18 , 2020
COVID-19 BULLETIN #55

Public health officials advise three new cases of COVID-19 were identified as of 9:30 a.m. today, bringing the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba to 253.

The data also shows:
• seven individuals are currently hospitalized, which includes four individuals in intensive care;
• 108 active cases and 140 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at five.
Cadham Provincial Laboratory performed 340 tests on Friday. A total of 19,193 tests have been performed since early February. Public health officials are expanding testing criteria to include:
• all symptomatic workers or volunteers at workplaces that have been identified as essential services; and
• any symptomatic person who lives with a health-care worker, first responder or worker in a congregate setting such as a correctional facility, shelter, long-term care or residential facility.

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.

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April 17 , 2020
COVID-19 BULLETIN #54

Public health officials advise no new cases of COVID-19 were identified as of 9:30 a.m. today, and the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba remains at 250.

The data also shows:
• eight individuals are currently hospitalized, which includes four individuals in intensive care;
• 113 active cases and 132 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at five.

Cadham Provincial Laboratory performed 508 tests Thursday. A total of 18,856 tests have been performed since early February.

The chief provincial public health officer has updated public health orders that take effect today and will be in effect until May 1. Some important clarifications have been made to the orders that were first announced April 16. Appliance stores and furniture stores that sell appliances may remain open to the public, providing social distancing measures are in place.

Additional clarification on the public health orders and the schedule of critical services can be found online at www.manitoba.ca/covid19/soe.html.

Assessment clinics for COVID-19 patients offer primary care services on an appointment basis for anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or has respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath. In addition to the primary care space, these locations also serve as designated testing sites in a separate area at the site.

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.

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April 16 , 2020
COVID-19 BULLETIN #53

Public health officials advise four new cases of COVID-19 were identified as of 9:30 a.m. today, bringing the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba to 250.

The data also shows:
• eight individuals are currently hospitalized, which includes four individuals in intensive care;
• 124 active cases and 121 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at five.
Cadham Provincial Laboratory performed 449 tests Wednesday. A total of 18,349 tests have been performed since early February.

The chief provincial public health officer has updated public health orders that take effect on April 17, and will be in effect until May 1, 2020. They mandate that anyone entering Manitoba, regardless of whether it was from another country or another province must self-isolate for 14 days. In addition, travel to northern Manitoba (north of the 53rd parallel of latitude) is prohibited with some exceptions including:
• residents of northern and remote communities may continue to move within the north;
• delivery of goods and services may continue; and
• exceptions include those who travel to the north for employment, medical treatment or to facilitate child-custody agreements.

The new orders build on the current orders, and maintain the gathering size of no more than 10 people at any indoor or outdoor premises. Additional updates include:
• a clarification that businesses not listed as critical may operate, and have customers attend to pick up ordered items, providing social distancing measures are in place;
• a provision to allow farmers markets to operate, providing social distancing measures are in place;
• hotels may operate, but must close common areas such as pools, hot tubs and game rooms;
• campgrounds can provide accommodation to recreational vehicles that act as a primary residence;
• garden centres and greenhouses can operate, providing social distancing measures are in place; and
• appliance, electronic and furniture stores are excluded, and should not be open to the public, except where orders are placed remotely and orders are delivered or picked up with social distancing measures in place.

The following restrictions remain in place as they were with previous orders:
• All restaurants and other commercial facilities are prohibited from serving food to customers in their premises. This prevents eat-in dining at all facilities. However, restaurants and other commercial facilities can prepare and serve food for delivery or takeout. If this takes place, the operator of the restaurant must ensure that all people maintain the appropriate social distancing from other customers when picking up food.
• All businesses that are not listed in the schedule of critical services that accompanies the order must remain closed.

- This closure order does not prevent these businesses from operating on a remote basis.
- A business may accept orders on the internet or over the phone for delivery or pickup, as long as the employees are not working at the place of business.
- The order does not prevent employees or others from coming into the business to perform repairs, to provide security services or to take out items from the business premises if the business is going to operate on a remote basis.
- Nothing in the order restricts the operations of delivery of services by the federal or provincial governments or a municipality.
- Nothing in the order restricts any activities of a publicly funded agency, organization or authority that delivers or supports government operations or services including health-care services. This means the order does not affect institutions, agencies and other service providers offering health-care services such as hospitals, regional health authorities and private agencies that provide a range of health services.

In addition, public health officials are expanding testing criteria to include:
• all symptomatic workers or volunteers at workplaces that have been identified as essential services; and
• any symptomatic person who lives with a health-care worker, first responder or worker in a congregate setting such as a correctional facility, shelter, long-term care or residential facility.

Current testing parameters include people with symptoms who have travelled outside Manitoba in the past 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, first responders and individuals who live/work in the north, a remote or isolated community, or congregate setting.

For more information and to access the online screening tool for COVID-19, visit:
www.manitoba.ca/covid19.

The full list of public health orders and the schedule of critical services can be found online at www.manitoba.ca/covid19/soe.html.

A comprehensive list of Manitoba government COVID-19 measures can be found at:
https://manitoba.ca/bg/2020/04/covid19.html.

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April 15, 2020
COVID-19 BULLETIN #52

Public health officials advise two new cases of COVID-19 were identified as of 9:30 a.m. today. In addition, two cases that had been considered probable have been ruled as negative, so the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba remains at 246. In addition, a fifth death has been reported, a woman in her 60s who lived in the Prairie Mountain Health region.

The data also shows:
• nine individuals are currently hospitalized, which includes four individuals in intensive care;
• 132 active cases and 108 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 is now five.

Cadham Provincial Laboratory performed 305 tests Tuesday. A total of 17,902 tests have been performed since early February.

Manitobans should not interpret current case numbers to mean the risk of COVID-19 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.

The second Community COVID-19 Testing Site and Assessment Clinic in Winnipeg opened today at Sergeant Tommy Prince Place, 90 Sinclair St. The site will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. This new site will assume testing responsibilities from Mount Carmel Clinic, which will return to its mandate of offering primary care services to the community. The first co-located testing site and assessment clinic opened at the St. James Centennial Pool last week.

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.

For up-to-date information on community screening sites, visit:
www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/locations.html.

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.

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April 14 , 2020
COVID-19 BULLETIN #51

**Public health officials advise no additional new cases of COVID-19 were identified as of 9:30 a.m. this morning. The total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba remains at 246.

The data also shows:
• nine individuals are currently hospitalized, which includes four individuals in intensive care;
• 142 active cases;
• 99 individuals have recovered from COVID-19;
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 remains at four.

Cadham Provincial Laboratory performed 365 tests Monday. A total of 17,709 tests have been performed since early February.

The chief provincial public health officer has extended public health orders until April 28. Businesses that are not included on the list of critical services must remain closed to the public until April 28. However, these businesses can:
• continue to operate where customers can order goods online or by telephone. However, customers cannot attend the businesses’ premises or property to order goods.
• continue to sell goods to customers where those goods can be picked up ‘curbside’ or delivered to customers. However, customers cannot pick up goods at businesses’ premises or on its property.
• allow staff to attend the businesses’ premises, without a limitation on the number of staff, as long as staff take measures to keep social distancing of one to two metres apart from each other.
• accept delivery of goods and may allow services, such as construction, repairs, maintenance and cleaning to occur at their premises and on their property.

The Manitoba government has announced it will provide health-care staff paid administrative leave for the full 14-day period of asymptomatic self-isolation. Should a worker become symptomatic during self-isolation, the individual will be compensated by sick leave benefits pursuant to their collective agreement.

The community testing site in Brandon is moving to a new, drive-thru location. Starting this afternoon, the site will be located at the Brandon Town Centre, 800 Rosser Ave. Clients can enter from Eighth Street on the P1 level of the centre’s parkade. Regular hours for the relocated Brandon site will resume Wednesday, operating daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The second Community COVID-19 Testing Site and Assessment Clinic in Winnipeg opens tomorrow at Sergeant Tommy Prince Place, 90 Sinclair St. The site will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. This new site will assume testing responsibilities from Mount Carmel Clinic, which will return to its mandate of offering primary care services to the community. The first co-located testing site and assessment clinic opened at the St. James Centennial Pool last week.

There have been reports of multiple phishing scams and fraud related to COVID-19. Manitobans are advised not to provide any financial data, hang up on the caller and to report the call to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at (toll-free) 1-888-495-8501.

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.

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April 13 , 2020
COVID-19 BULLETIN #50

Public health officials advise four new 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 246.

The data also shows:
• eight individuals are currently hospitalized, which includes four individuals in intensive care;
• 99 individuals have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the total number of deaths reported in Manitoba is four.
Cadham Provincial Laboratory performed 32 tests Sunday. A total of 17,245 tests have been performed since early February.

The chief provincial public health officer will be extending the public health orders issued on March 30 for two weeks. The orders that were to expire on April 14 are now extended to April 28, 2020, with the following measures remaining in effect:
• Public gatherings are limited to no more than 10 people at any indoor or outdoor place or premises. This includes places of worship, gatherings and family events such as weddings and funerals. This does not apply to a facility where health-care or social services are provided including child-care centres and homeless shelters.
• All restaurants and other commercial facilities that serve food are prohibited from serving food to customers in their premises. This prevents eat-in dining at all facilities. However, restaurants and other commercial facilities can prepare and serve food for delivery or takeout. If this takes place, the operator of the restaurant must ensure that all people maintain the appropriate social distancing from other customers when picking up food.
• All businesses that are not listed in the schedule of critical services that accompanies the order must remain closed.
- This closure order does not prevent these businesses from operating on a remote basis.
- A business may accept orders on the Internet, or over the phone for delivery or pickup, as long as the employees are not working at the place of business.
- The order does not prevent employees or others from coming into the business to perform repairs, to provide security services or to take out items from the business premises if the business is going to operate on a remote basis.
- Nothing in the order restricts the operations of delivery of services by the federal or provincial governments or a municipality.
- Nothing in the order restricts any activities of a publicly funded agency, organization or authority that delivers or supports government operations or services, including health-care services. This means the order does not affect institutions, agencies and other service providers who provide health-care services such as hospitals, regional health authorities and private agencies who provide a range of health services.

The community testing site in Brandon is moving to a new drive-thru location. Starting Tuesday afternoon, the site will be located at the Brandon Town Centre, 800 Rosser Ave., enter from Eighth Street on the P1 level of the centre’s parkade. Regular hours for the relocated Brandon site will resume Wednesday, operating daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For up-to-date information on community screening sites, visit www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/locations.html.

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.

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• • • • • • • •

April 12 , 2020
COVID-19 BULLETIN #49

Public health officials advise no new cases of COVID-19 have been identified as of 9:30 a.m., and one probable case has been determined to be a false positive. This brings the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba to 242.

The data also shows:
• eight individuals are currently hospitalized, which includes four individuals in intensive care;
• 96 individuals have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the total number of deaths reported in Manitoba is four.

Cadham Provincial Laboratory performed 850 tests Saturday. A total of 17,221 tests have been performed since early February.

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.

Several community testing sites have altered their hours of operation for the long weekend. Sites in Thompson, Flin Flon and The Pas will be open daily through the weekend, with reduced hours of 1 p.m. to 4 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.) is closed today, 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.

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.

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• • • • • • • •

April 11 , 2020
COVID-19 BULLETIN #48

The data also shows:
• eight individuals are currently hospitalized, which includes five individuals in intensive care;
• 96 individuals have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the total number of deaths reported in Manitoba is four.
Cadham Provincial Laboratory performed 175 tests Friday. A total of 16,383 tests have been performed since early February.

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 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.

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.

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• • • • • • • •

April 10 , 2020
COVID-19 BULLETIN #47

Public health officials advise six 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 230. In addition, a fourth death has been reported, a man in his 70s who lived in Winnipeg.

The data also shows:
• 10 individuals are currently hospitalized, which includes five individuals in intensive care;
• 92 individuals have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the total number of deaths reported in Manitoba is four.

Cadham Provincial Laboratory performed 962 tests Thursday. A total of 16,220 tests have been performed since early February.

A site offering a place for individuals experiencing homelessness to self-isolate opened today in Winnipeg. The site has 39 units for individuals who have tested positive or are suspected to have COVID-19. The first 10 units opened today and these are not designed for drop-in or self-referral. Clients will access these units with a referral from shelter sites, testing sites or care providers within the health system.

Several community testing sites have altered their hours of operation for the long weekend. Testing sites in Brandon, Dauphin, Pine Falls and Eriksdale are closed today.

Sites in Thompson, Flin Flon and The Pas will be open daily through the weekend, with reduced hours of 1 p.m. to 4 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 today 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.

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.

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• • • • • • • •

April 9 , 2020
COVID-19 BULLETIN #46

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.

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.

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.

For more information and to access the online screening tool for COVID-19, visit: www.manitoba.ca/covid19.

Public health officials advise four 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 221.

The data also shows:
• 12 individuals are currently hospitalized, which includes six individuals in intensive care;
• 69 individuals have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the total number of deaths reported in Manitoba is three.

Cadham Provincial Laboratory performed 477 tests Tuesday. A total of 14,708 tests have been performed since early February.

Manitobans are reminded to continue seeking care for regular and chronic medical conditions. Primary care and community health offices continue to be available for those patients in need of care, with virtual (phone and video) options available as well as in person appointments and walk-in services.

The first Community COVID-19 Testing Site and Assessment Clinic in Winnipeg opened today at the St. James Assiniboia Centennial Pool and Fitness Centre, 644 Parkdale St. With the opening of this site, Access Winnipeg West will once again focus on primary care and community health services and no longer be a designated community testing site for COVID 19.

Assessment clinics for COVID-19 positive patients offer primary care services on an appointment basis for anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or has respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath.

In addition to the primary care space, these locations will also serve as designated testing sites in a separate area at the site to support additional capacity for testing.

Testing sites and assessment clinics will NOT be walk-in services. People seeking testing should still call Health Links-Info Santé first or be referred by their primary care provider.

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. Services at smaller health centres could be strained if seasonal visitors become ill.

For more information and to access the online screening tool for COVID-19, visit: www.manitoba.ca/covid19.

**Public health officials advise 13 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 217. In addition, a third death has been reported. Patient specific details are not being released at this time.

The data also shows:
• 12 individuals are currently hospitalized, which includes six individuals in intensive care;
• 21 individuals have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the total number of deaths reported in Manitoba is three.

Cadham Provincial Laboratory performed 781 tests Monday. A total of 14,280 tests have been performed since early February.

Manitobans are reminded to stay home if they can and this includes family gatherings. While many families get together for Easter or Passover celebrations, people should not let their guard down by gathering this year. Working together to maintain social distancing and staying at home unless you have to go out are the only ways to slow the spread and flatten the curve of COVID-19.

Assessment clinics for COVID-19 positive patients are also being established. These sites will offer primary care services on an appointment basis for anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or has respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath.

In addition to the primary care space, these locations will also serve as designated testing sites in a separate area at the site to support additional capacity for testing.

The first Community COVID-19 Testing Site and Assessment Clinic in Winnipeg will open at 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 8 at the St. James Assiniboia Centennial Pool and Fitness Centre at 644 Parkdale St. When this site opens tomorrow, Access Winnipeg West will once again focus on primary care and community health services, and will no longer be a designated community testing site for COVID 19.

Testing sites and assessment clinics will NOT be walk-in services. People seeking testing should still call Health Links–Info Santé first or be referred by their primary care provider.

Note the Mount Carmel testing site will be CLOSED for the statutory holidays on Good Friday and Easter Sunday this coming weekend. Visit one of the drive-in sites or the St. James Assiniboia Centennial Pool for testing over the weekend.

For more information and to access the online screening tool for COVID-19, visit: www.manitoba.ca/covid19.

Public health officials advise one additional case of COVID-19 has been identified as of 9:30 a.m., bringing the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba to 204.

The data also shows:
• 11 individuals are currently hospitalized including seven in intensive care,
• 17 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and
• the total number of deaths reported in Manitoba is two.

Cadham Provincial Laboratory performed 458 tests Sunday. As of April 6, a total of 13,476 tests have been performed.

For more information and to access the online screening tool for COVID-19, visit: www.manitoba.ca/covid19.

Public health officials advise nine 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 203.

Cadham Provincial Laboratory performed 488 tests Saturday. As of April 5, a total of 12,998 tests have been performed.

Isolation centres will be established to meet the need of Manitobans who may require some additional support as they self-isolate. This support will be offered as part of the public health investigation process to individuals who are COVID-19 positive or who have been exposed to a COVID-19 positive case and require a dedicated space where they can self-isolate. The first centre has been set up in a Winnipeg hotel and began accepting individuals this weekend.

These centres will adhere to the public health guidelines and guests will be required to self-isolate in their rooms at all times. Isolation centres will use enhanced cleaning and disinfecting practices. All social and physical distancing practices will be adhered to and centres will practice zero contact services wherever possible.

For more information and to access the online screening tool for COVID-19, visit: www.manitoba.ca/covid19.

Public health officials advise 12 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 194.

The data also shows:
• 10 individuals are currently hospitalized including six in intensive care,
• 17 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and
• the total number of deaths reported in Manitoba is two.

Cadham Provincial Laboratory performed 567 tests Friday. As of April 4, a total of 12,514 tests have been performed.

Testing has been completed on the residents of Betel Home in Gimli and it confirms no residents tested positive for COVID-19.

Isolation centres are being established for those who may require some additional support as they self-isolate. The first centre has been set up in a Winnipeg hotel and will begin accepting individuals this weekend. This would be offered to individuals who may have been exposed or who are COVID positive and require a dedicated space where they can self-isolate.

Children and youth may be spending more time online, to socialize, play games, for entertainment or to supplement at-home learning. To help parents and their children better understand and identify possible online risks, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection has a number of free online resources including activity sheets, comics and storybooks. To learn more, or to report a concern, visit www.cybertip.ca.

The Manitoba government has decided to postpone the remaining dates for making campground reservations. Sessions scheduled for April 6 and April 8 will be rescheduled later. Existing campground, group-use and yurt reservations are still valid, but may be cancelled if the situation changes. More information is available at www.gov.mb.ca/sd/parks/.

For more information and to access the online screening tool for COVID-19, visit: www.manitoba.ca/covid19.

Public health officials advise 15 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 182. In addition, a second death has been reported. Patient specific details are not being released at this time.

The data also shows:
• nine individuals are currently hospitalized including six in intensive care,
• 11 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and
• the total number of deaths reported in Manitoba is two.

Cadham Provincial Laboratory performed 634 tests Thursday. As of April 3, a total of 11,952 tests have been performed.

Eight companies have responded to the province’s call for donations of medical supplies, which will help ensure the province is prepared to meet the needs of patients and ensure appropriate protection from COVID-19 is available to health-care workers. One day after putting out a call for supplies, the health system received donations of 2,570 N95 masks, 3,110 surgical and procedure masks, 9,300 gloves and 202 bottles of hand sanitizer. Donations of the following supplies are welcome:
• N95 respirators of various models and sizes, both hospital and industrial grade;
• surgical/procedure masks;
• gloves;
• disposable gowns and
• disinfectants and cleaners.

Supplies must be in original packaging, clean and in useable condition. Expired supplies are not able to be accepted.

In order to meet the continuing need for Winnipeggers to be screened for COVID-19, a second community testing drive-thru site opened today at the Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) Main Street service centre, 1284 Main St. Hours of operation will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Other Winnipeg locations include:
• Mount Carmel Clinic, 886 Main St.;
• Access Winnipeg West, 280 Booth Dr.; and
• MPI’s Bison Drive Service Centre, 15 Barnes St.

The redeployment of testing resources to the Main Street location will allow testing sites at Access Transcona and Access Fort Garry to return to their mandate of providing primary and episodic care to patients. The public is reminded that a referral to these testing sites is needed and they are not walk-in clinics. Information on locations and hours of operation throughout Manitoba is available at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/locations.html.

For more information and to access the online screening tool for COVID-19, visit www.manitoba.ca/covid19.

Public health officials advise 40 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 167 at this time.

The data also shows:
• five individuals are currently hospitalized including four in intensive care,
• 11 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and
• the total number of deaths reported in Manitoba remains at one.

Cadham Provincial Laboratory performed 1,300 tests Wednesday. As of April 2, a total of 11,327 tests have been performed.

Three additional staff across two Manitoba health-care facilities have tested positive for COVID-19. The confirmed cases, at Health Sciences Centre (HSC) Winnipeg and Betel Home Gimli are being investigated by public health, occupational health and infection prevention and control officials. All affected health-care workers are being provided with appropriate direction related to self-isolation or self-monitoring, depending on their exposure.

As a result of the positive COVID-19 case at Betel Home in Gimli, public health officials are also investigating a respiratory illness outbreak among residents there. Nine residents showing symptoms of respiratory illness are being tested for the cause of their illnesses. This will include testing for COVID-19. The home has implemented additional infection prevention and control measures to isolate affected patients.

A change in protocol will soon require health-care workers working in patient care roles at facilities, including at hospitals, long-term care facilities, health centres, nursing stations, Access Centres and COVID-19 testing locations, to expand their use of procedure masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE). These changes will be implemented over the coming days at sites across the province. Manitoba’s provincial COVID-19 central supply chain management is working with regions and facilities to identify and ship appropriate PPE.

New screening procedures are being implemented for staff working in acute and long-term care facilities. Implementation of these measures has begun and will involve asking staff about travel history, exposure to COVID-19 positive cases, any symptoms they may have and having their temperature taken at the start of their shift. Staff who are required to come and go during the course of their shift may be re-screened upon re-entry into facilities and service areas.

Public health is also advising that people remain within or close to their home communities. This includes limiting travel, even within Manitoba, to essential trips only. Services at smaller health centres could be strained if seasonal visitors become ill.

As Manitoba’s health system continues with preparations to ensure it is prepared to meet the needs of patients and to ensure appropriate protection from COVID-19 is available to health-care workers, donations of the following supplies are now welcome:
• N95 respirators of various models and sizes, both hospital and industrial grade;
• surgical/procedure masks;
• gloves;
• disposable gowns; and
• disinfectants and cleaners.

Supplies must be in original packaging, clean and in useable condition. Expired supplies will not be accepted.

For more information on donating supplies, visit https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/supply-donations/ or call (toll-free) 1-833-408-0101.

In order to meet continued demands of Winnipeggers for COVID-19 screening, a second community testing drive-thru site will open tomorrow at the Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) Main Street service centre, 1284 Main St. Hours of operation will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Other Winnipeg locations include:
• Mount Carmel Clinic, 886 Main St.,
• Access Winnipeg West, 280 Booth Dr., and
• MPI’s Bison Drive Service Centre, 15 Barnes St.

The new Main Street location will allow testing sites at Access Transcona and Access Fort Garry to stop operating as testing sites tomorrow and return to their mandate of providing primary and episodic care to patients. The public is reminded that a referral to these testing sites is needed and they are not walk-in clinics. Information on locations and hours of operation throughout Manitoba is available at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/locations.html.

For more information and to access the online screening tool for COVID-19, visit: www.manitoba.ca/covid19.

Public health officials advise 24 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 127 at this time.

The data also shows:
• four individuals are currently hospitalized including three in intensive care;
• four individuals have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the total number of deaths reported in Manitoba remains at one.

Cadham Provincial Laboratory performed 1,130 tests Tuesday. As of April 1, a total of 10,044 tests have been performed.

New screening procedures are being implemented for staff working in acute and long-term care facilities. Implementation of these measures will begin today and will involve all staff arriving for the start of their shift to have their temperature taken and be required to answer questions about any symptoms they have, their travel history and their exposure to positive COVID-19 cases. Staff who are required to come and go during the course of their shift may be re-screened upon re-entry into facilities and service areas.

Under The Public Health Act, new public health orders announced earlier this week take effect today. In addition, the chief provincial public health officer has clarified a public health order to ensure a better understanding for businesses classified as not providing critical services and how they are able to operate during the state of emergency.

All non-exempt businesses may:
• continue to operate where customers can order goods online or by telephone; however, customers cannot attend the businesses’ premises or property to order goods;
• continue to sell goods to customers where those goods can be picked up ‘curbside’ or delivered to customers; however, customers cannot pick up goods at businesses’ premises or on its property;
• allow staff to attend the businesses’ premises, without a limitation on the number of staff, as long as staff take measures to keep social distancing of one to two metres apart from each other; and
• accept delivery of goods and may allow services, such as construction, repairs, maintenance and cleaning to occur at their premises and on their property.

Manitoba Justice continues to take steps to reduce the spread of infection and enhance access to justice throughout the province. As of April 2, new admissions to all adult and youth correctional centres in Manitoba will be handled through the Winnipeg Remand Centre (WRC). All individuals coming into custody will be isolated for up to 14 days to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 into facilities. Sheriff services will be assisting rural police agencies with transports whenever possible. All in-person visits for people in Manitoba’s adult and youth correctional centres have been suspended including inmate programs, staff training and other group activities.

The province is expanding the number of free phone calls for individuals in custody to help them maintain contact with their support systems. Lawyers are encouraged to meet with clients remotely, whenever possible, but in-person visits with clients can continue at all facilities, with the exception of the WRC. Cleaning procedures in all Manitoba’s correctional centres have increased significantly including the use of fogging equipment to disinfect large and high-traffic areas. Protocols for the use of personal protective equipment are in place to ensure the safety of staff and inmates.

As of April 2, greater access to bail hearings on evenings and weekends will increase the efficiency of the system, ensure timely bail and other hearings and limit unnecessary admissions to the WRC. Crown attorneys will work on evenings, overnight and on weekends for consultations and hearings and to work with defence counsel on sentencing recommendations. The province is also working with police agencies to expand remote bail hearings in the north. The number of court hearings that can be held by phone will also be increased to avoid unnecessary transportation of people out of their communities.

As Manitoba’s health system continues with preparations to ensure it is prepared to meet the needs of patients and to ensure appropriate protection from COVID-19 is available to health-care workers, donations of the following supplies are now welcome:
• N95 respirators of various models and sizes, both hospital and industrial grade;
• surgical/procedure masks;
• gloves;
• disposable gowns; and
• disinfectants and cleaners.

Supplies must be in original packaging, clean and in useable condition. Expired supplies are not able to be accepted.

There are 16 community testing sites in Manitoba, including seven drive-thru locations, with plans to open in more communities in the coming days. The public is reminded that a referral to these sites is needed and they are not walk-in clinics. Information on locations and hours of operation are available at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/locations.html.

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.

Public health officials advise seven 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 103 at this time.

The data also shows:
• three individuals are currently hospitalized including two in intensive care,
• four individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and
• the total number of deaths reported in Manitoba remains at one.

Public health officials have also confirmed that a staff member at Selkirk Regional Health Centre has tested positive for COVID-19. This individual worked in the health centre’s emergency department and medicine ward from March 19 to 23. Public health, occupational health and infection prevention and control staff are working together to investigate this case and followup with all identified close staff and patient contacts.

Public health will directly contact people who had prolonged (more than 10 minutes), close (within two metres) contact with the individual when symptomatic. These individuals will be required to self-isolate for 14 days from the date of last exposure and monitor for symptoms.

Dates and times of possible exposure include:
• March 19 from 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Selkirk Regional Health Centre Emergency Department;
• March 20 from 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Selkirk Regional Health Centre Emergency Department;
• March 21 from 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Selkirk Regional Health Centre Emergency Department;
• March 22 from 11:45 p.m. to March 23 7:45 a.m. in the Selkirk Regional Health Centre Emergency Department.

Cadham Provincial Laboratory performed 378 tests Monday. As of March 31, a total of 8,914 tests have been performed.

Under The Public Health Act, new public health orders take effect April 1. Additional details are available at www.manitoba.ca/covid19/soe.html. Public health officials continue to strongly advise all Manitobans, including health-care providers, to cancel or postpone any recreational, tourist or non-essential international or domestic travel. In addition, anyone who returns from international or domestic travel must self-isolate and self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days following their return.

This does not include:
• workers involved with the commercial transportation of goods and services,
• workers who live in a neighbouring jurisdiction and travel to Manitoba for work,
• health-care workers who travel to work from outside the province,
• normal personal travel in border communities.

As Manitoba’s health system continues with preparations to ensure the province is prepared to meet the needs of patients and to ensure appropriate protection from COVID-19 is available to health-care workers, donations of the following supplies are now welcome:
• N95 respirators of various models and sizes, both hospital and industrial grade;
• surgical/procedure masks;
• gloves;
• disposable gowns and
• disinfectants and cleaners.

Supplies must be in original packaging, clean and in useable condition. Expired supplies are not able to be accepted.

For more information on donating supplies, visit https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/supply-donations/ or call (toll-free) 1-833-408-0101.

For more information and to access the online screening tool for COVID-19, visit: www.manitoba.ca/covid19.

The data also shows:
• four individuals are currently hospitalized,
• one individual is currently in intensive care,
• the total number of deaths reported in Manitoba is one, and
• two individuals have recovered from COVID-19.

Public health investigations are underway to determine additional details and to confirm the possible exposure of these cases. Case data, including possible events and locations where people may have come into contact with someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19, will be updated on at www.manitoba.ca/covid19 when available.

Cadham Provincial Laboratory performed 1,430 tests over the weekend. As of March 30, a total of 8,550 tests have been performed.

Under The Public Health Act, new public health orders are in effect immediately. Additional details are available at www.manitoba.ca/covid19/soe.html. Public health officials continue to strongly advise all Manitobans, including health-care providers, to cancel or postpone any recreational, tourist or non-essential international or domestic travel. In addition, anyone who returns from international or domestic travel must self-isolate and self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days following their return.

This does not include:
• workers involved with the commercial transportation of goods and services;
• workers who live in a neighbouring jurisdiction and travel to Manitoba for work;
• health care workers who travel to work from outside the province;
• normal personal travel in border communities.

A community drive-thru testing site opened today in Dauphin at the Manitoba Public Insurance Service Centre, 217 Industrial Rd. Hours are daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Another site opened in Pine Falls at École Powerview School, 33 Vincent St. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. There are 16 community testing sites in Manitoba, including seven drive-thru locations, with plans to open in more communities in the coming days. The public is reminded that a referral to these sites is needed and they are not walk-in clinics. Information on locations and hours of operation are available at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/locations.html.

For more information and to access the online screening tool for COVID-19, visit: www.manitoba.ca/covid19.

**Public health officials advise eight additional probable 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 72 at this time. The total number of deaths reported in Manitoba remains at one.

The public is reminded that under The Public Health Act, the following measures will be in place, effective 12:01 a.m. on Monday, March 30:
• Public gatherings will be limited to no more than 10 people at any indoor or outdoor place or premises. This includes places of worship, gatherings and family events such as weddings and funerals. This does not apply to a facility where health care or social services are provided including child-care centres and homeless shelters.
• Retail businesses including grocery or food stores, shopping centres, pharmacies or gas stations must ensure separation of one to two metres between patrons assembling in the business.
• Public transportation facilities must also ensure that people assembling at the facility are reasonably able to maintain a separation of one to two metres.

Other restrictions first introduced in a public health order issued on March 20 remain in effect.

Public health officials continue to strongly advise all Manitobans, including health-care providers, to cancel or postpone any recreational, tourist or non-essential international or domestic travel. In addition, anyone who returns from international or domestic travel must self-isolate and self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days following their return.

A community testing site will open Monday in Pine Falls at École Powerview School at 33 Vincent St. Hours of operation will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. There are 15 community testing sites in Manitoba, including six drive-thru locations, with plans to open in more communities in the next week. The public is reminded that a referral to these sites is needed and they are not walk-in clinics. Information on locations and hours of operation are available at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/locations.html.

For more information and to access the online screening tool for COVID-19, visit:
www.manitoba.ca/covid19.

Public health officials advise 25 additional probable 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 64 at this time. Total number of deaths reported in Manitoba remains at one.

Public health investigations are underway to determine additional details and to confirm the possible exposure of this/these case/cases.

Other restrictions first introduced in a public health order issued on March 20 remain in effect.

Public health officials are strongly advising all Manitobans, including health-care providers, to cancel or postpone any non-essential travel. This includes international travel and travel within Canada. There should be no recreational, tourist or non-essential personal travel. In addition, public health officials recommended that effective March 23, anyone returning from international or domestic travel should self-isolate and self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days following their return.

This recommendation does not include:
• the commercial transportation of goods and services;
• workers who live in a neighbouring jurisdiction and travel to Manitoba for work;
• health care workers who travel to work from outside the province;
• normal personal travel in border communities, including visits to a cottage.

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.

A community testing site will open Monday, March 30 in Pine Falls at École Powerview School, 33 Vincent St., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday. This brings the total to 15 community testing sites including six drive-thru locations. The public is reminded that a referral to these sites is needed and they are not walk-in clinics. Information on locations and hours of operation are available at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/locations.html

Moving forward, the province will continue to share updates on the total number of cases but additional patient information such as gender, age and the regional health authority where they reside will be provided online once it is confirmed through public health investigation. The province is also working to provide an additional breakdown of information online, including the number of hospitalizations, home recovery, and cases that are resolved. This reporting is in line with reporting in other jurisdictions and ensures consistent, accurate data is available to the public.

Information about flights where a person with a lab-confirmed case of COVID-19 had symptoms at the time of travel is updated at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/flights.html as information becomes available.

For more information and to access the online screening tool for COVID-19, visit:
www.manitoba.ca/covid19.

Public health officials advise three additional probable 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 39 at this time. Manitoba has also recorded its first patient death. Patient specific details are not being released at this time.

Public health investigations are underway to determine additional details and to confirm the possible exposure of this/these case/cases.

As authorized under The Public Health Act, the following measures will be in place, effective 12:01 a.m. on Monday, March 30. Public gatherings will be limited to no more than 10 people at any indoor or outdoor place or premises. This includes places of worship, gatherings and family events such as weddings and funerals. This does not apply to a facility where health care or social services are provided including child-care centres and homeless shelters. Retail businesses including grocery or food stores, shopping centres, pharmacies or gas stations must ensure separation of one to two metres between patrons assembling in the business. Public transportation facilities must also ensure that people assembling at the facility are reasonably able to maintain a separation of one to two metres.

Other restrictions first introduced in a public health order issued on March 20 remain in effect.

Cadham Provincial Laboratory performed 606 tests on Thursday. As of March 26, a total of 6,203 tests have been performed.

Public health officials are strongly advising all Manitobans, including health-care providers, to cancel or postpone any non-essential travel. This includes international travel and travel within Canada. There should be no recreational, tourist or non-essential personal travel. In addition, public health officials recommended that effective March 23, anyone who returns from international or domestic travel should self-isolate and self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days following their return.

Additional drive-thru community testing sites opened today in Eriksdale at the Eriksdale Wellness Centre, 35 Railway Ave., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday and in Portage la Prairie at the Stride Centre, 245 Royal Rd., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. A community testing site will open Monday, March 30 in Pine Falls at École Powerview School, 33 Vincent St., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.

The community testing site in The Pas has relocated to the Royal Canadian Legion at 4 Veterans Way and will continue to be open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This will brings the total to 15 community testing sites including six drive-thru locations. The public is reminded that a referral to these sites is needed and they are not walk-in clinics. Information on locations and hours of operation are available at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/locations.html.

Moving forward, the province will continue to share updates on the total number of cases but additional patient information such as gender, age, and the regional health authority where they reside will be provided online once it is confirmed through public health investigation. The province is also working to provide an additional breakdown of information online including the number of hospitalizations, home recovery and cases that are resolved. This reporting is in line with reporting in other jurisdictions and ensures consistent, accurate data is available to the public.

For more information and to access the online screening tool for COVID-19, visit:
www.manitoba.ca/covid19.

Public health officials advise one additional probable case of COVID-19 has been identified, bringing the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba to 36 at this time.

Public health investigations are underway to determine additional details and to confirm the possible exposure of this case. Information about flights where a person with a lab-confirmed case of COVID-19 had symptoms at the time of travel is updated as information becomes available at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/flights.html.

Public health officials advise that case numbers and the total number of cases are different because one case was retested and was found to be negative.

Cadham Provincial Laboratory performed 734 tests on Wednesday, March 25, up from the day before when 352 tests were completed. As of March 25, a total of 5,606 tests have been performed.

Public health officials are expanding testing criteria to include the following groups of people at risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19 and are showing respiratory symptoms:
• Health-care workers; and
• individuals who live/work in a remote or isolated community or a group setting, such as a correctional facility, shelter, long- term care or residential facility, or a remote work camp.

Symptomatic travellers outside of Manitoba, close contacts of a confirmed case, and lab workers who have worked with COVID-19 tests will continue to be tested.

Public health officials are strongly advising all Manitobans, including health-care providers, to cancel or postpone any non-essential travel. This includes international travel and travel within Canada. There should be no recreational, tourist or non-essential personal travel. In addition, public health officials recommended that effective March 23, anyone who returns from international or domestic travel should self-isolate and self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days following their return.

This recommendation does not include:
• the commercial transportation of goods and services;
• workers who live in a neighbouring jurisdiction and travel to Manitoba for work;
• health-care workers who travel to work from outside the province; and
• normal personal travel in border communities including visits to a cottage.

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.

Additional community test sites will officially open Friday, March 27 in Eriksdale at the Eriksdale Wellness Centre, 35 Railway Ave. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and in Pine Falls at the École Powerview School, 33 Vincent St. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. The community testing site in The Pas has been relocated to the Wescana Inn at 439 Fischer Ave. and will continue to be open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are now 12 community testing sites including four drive-thru locations. The public is reminded that a referral to these sites is needed and they are not walk-in clinics. Information on locations and hours of operation are available at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/locations.html.

For more information and to access the online screening tool for COVID-19, visit:
www.manitoba.ca/covid19.

Public health officials advise 14 additional probable cases of COVID-19 have been identified, bringing the total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba to 35 at this time.

Case information includes:

• case 23 is a woman in her 30s who lives in Winnipeg,

• case 24 is a girl under the age of 10 who lives in Winnipeg,

• case 25 is a woman in her 40s who lives in Winnipeg,

• case 26 is a man in his 30s who lives in Winnipeg,

• case 27 is a woman in her 60s who lives in Winnipeg,

• case 28 is a woman in her 60s who lives in Winnipeg and receiving treatment in intensive care in hospital,

• case 29 is a man in his 40s who lives in Winnipeg,

• case 30 is a woman in her 30s who lives in a community in the area of the Southern Health Santé Sud health region,

• case 31 is a woman in her 40s who lives in Winnipeg,

• case 32 is a man in his 60s who lives in Winnipeg,

• case 33 is a woman in her 60s who lives in Winnipeg,

• case 34 is a woman in her 50s who lives in a community in the Southern Health Santé Sud health region,

• case 35 is a woman in her 20s who lives in Winnipeg, and

• case 36 is an individual who was tested in the Prairie Mountain Health region.

Public health investigations are underway to determine additional details and to confirm the possible exposure of these cases. Information about flights where a person with a lab-confirmed case of COVID-19 had symptoms at the time of travel is updated as information becomes available at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/flights.html.

Public health officials advise that case numbers and the total number of cases are different because one case was retested and was found to be negative.

Also note that a probable case previously reported on March 23 of a man in his 50s who lives in Winnipeg with a history of travel should be referenced as case 21. In addition, a probable case previously reported on March 24 of a man in his 40s who lives in Winnipeg with a travel history under investigation should be referenced as case 22.

Public health officials are strongly advising all Manitobans, including health-care providers, to cancel or postpone any non-essential travel. This includes international travel and travel within Canada. There should be no recreational, tourist or non-essential personal travel. In addition, public health officials recommended that effective March 23, anyone who returns from international or domestic travel should self-isolate and self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days following their return.

This recommendation does not include:

• the commercial transportation of goods and services;

• workers who live in a neighbouring jurisdiction and travel to Manitoba for work;

• health care workers who travel to work from outside the province;

• normal personal travel in border communities, including visits to a cottage.

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.

In recognition of the current challenges, the province will defer any increases to the Manitoba Pharmacare deductible that were scheduled to take effect April 1. The deductible will still come into effect on April 1, but will remain at 2019-20 levels throughout 2020-21 to assist Manitobans with supply limits imposed on pharmacies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Manitobans are reminded that pharmacies have been asked to limit individuals to a 30-day supply of medication. All Canadian provinces have taken this step to prevent hoarding and ensure there is a consistent supply of medications.

A new community testing drive-thru site officially opened today in Winkler, at the Winkler Centennial Arena at 600 Park St. Hours are daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There are now 12 community testing sites including four drive-thru locations. The public is reminded that a referral to these sites is needed and they are not walk-in clinics. Information on locations and hours of operation are available at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/locations.html.

For more information and to access the online screening tool for COVID-19, visit: www.manitoba.ca/covid19.

An online self-assessment tool (Shared health / Soins communs Manitoba - https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/screening-tool/) is now available to help Manitobans determine if they should contact Health Links – Info Santé or seek other medical advice.

International travellers who have developed cold- or flu-like symptoms that are associated with COVID-19 (such as cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat or headache) within 14 days of returning to Canada should contact Health Links -Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257 to be referred for testing.

If you have cold- or flu-like symptoms but have NOT travelled internationally within the last 14 days and have NOT had contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 you will not need to be screened. Please remain at home and self-isolate until your symptoms have been gone for 24 hours.

Health Links – Info Santé continues to experience high call volumes and your patience is appreciated. Staffing numbers continue to be increased and technical enhancements are currently being developed.

Please note:
• CancerCare Manitoba is asking patients with upcoming appointments or tests to call ahead to their appointment site. Cancer patients may be more susceptible to COVID-19 due to weakened immune systems, so appointments and tests may be rescheduled if not considered urgent or patients are not actively being treated for the disease.

• Similarly, patients living with kidney disease are also at higher risk of infection. Scheduled dialysis treatments are proceeding as usual for patients who are well. However, dialysis patients experiencing cold- or flu-like symptoms who have returned from international travel in the past 14 days are asked to call Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257 for an initial assessment. They are also asked to call their renal unit before leaving home for a dialysis treatment or clinic visit so staff can prepare to treat them in a way that keeps them and others from possibly being exposed to COVID-19.

• All transportation companies should make sure drivers do not have respiratory symptoms before crossing the U.S. border and take the necessary measures if they exhibit cold- or flu-like symptoms. This includes calling Health-Links Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257 to speak to a health practitioner and requesting the affected driver to self-isolate until they have been assessed.

Health Links – Info Santé, the flagship program of the Provincial Health Contact Centre, was the first bilingual phone-based nursing triage system in Canada.

Health Links – Info Santé, available to all Manitobans, operates 24/7, 365 days of the year with a team of registered nurses answering more than 114,000 calls annually in English and French with service in more than 100 other languages available through over-the-phone interpreters.

Nurses follow assessment guidelines to triage health issues – everything from flu symptoms to child fevers to heart attacks. Callers are given advice as to what health-care path should be followed: call 911; visit an emergency department, urgent care, walk-in clinic or family physician; or advice and education are given about managing symptoms at home.

Health Links – Info Santé nurses also provide general health information and help callers find health resources in local communities across Manitoba.

Other public health services such as the Breastfeeding Hotline (204-788-8667), West Nile virus, rabies and influenza support are available to callers through Health Links – Info Santé.