A third case of COVID-19 in Manitoba has been identified this weekend.
The newest case is a man from Winnipeg in his 40's, the other cases involve women also from Winnipeg; one in her 30’s, the other in her 50’s.
Travel appears to be the factor in all cases.
This brings Manitoba's total to 20.
You can find information about flights where a person with a lab-confirmed case of COVID-19 had symptoms at the time of travel by clicking here.
Chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin says Manitobans are reminded that public health orders remain in effect:
“At this time, the public health [social distancing] orders apply to public places, and not workplaces. However, employers are reminded to continue their efforts at social distancing strategies.”
Dr. Roussin says all Canadians returning from international trips are required to self isolate for 14 days upon return. This includes Canadians re-entering the country by road as well.
“Self-isolation means isolation at home. This does not mean going to the grocery store or doing shopping. You self-isolate at home, monitor for symptoms, and call Health Links if symptoms arise.”
Call Health Links–Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257 before arriving at a testing site.
You should not seek out testing if you are not showing symptoms, however, you are advised to get tested if:
(1) you have respiratory symptoms,
(2) have travelled internationally in the last 14 days,
(3) or had contact with a confirmed case (ie. on a cruise ship, at a large conference).
Now that school is out, Dr. Roussin reminds Manitoba children and families to practice social distancing.
“Do not arrange for in-person playdates with other families. Perhaps go for a walk outside with the family.”
To avoid contracting the virus, wash your hands, avoid touching your face, and cancel travel plans.
To protect the people around you, Manitoba public health recommends that you:
(1) cover your coughs and sneezes
(2) stay home when you are ill
(3) avoid large crowds
(4) disinfect regularly used surfaces
(5) practice social distancing measures
(6) stay home if you can
(7) cancel large events
(8) use reliable sources of information
Lanette Siragusa says Health Links received 2,300 calls on Saturday. The average wait time was 47 minutes. The online assessment tool got 220,000 views since it launched on Wednesday.
Going forward, the province will be using the terminology of “probable cases” and “confirmed cases” to bring Manitoba in line with the terminology used by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
The latest information from the Manitoba government can be found at www.manitoba.ca/covid19.
