The total number of probable and lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Manitoba is now 72.
This is after Public Health officials announced 8 more probable cases of the virus during their Sunday update. The number of COVID-19 deaths in the province remains at 1.
Dr. Brent Roussin says two individuals in Manitoba have been listed as recovered.
At this time, the Prairie Mountain Health region has a total of 5 lab-confirmed positive cases.
(table from www.manitoba.ca/covid19)
Keep in mind the following measures will take effect starting 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.
All other instructions given by public health remain in effect, including the mandatory 14 day self-isolation period for all international and domestic travellers.
At this time, there have been no updates from PMH on the status of Dauphin’s drive-thru testing site, originally slated to have opened this past Saturday at the MPI Service Centre in Dauphin
The chief public health officer revealed that Manitoba has its first COVID-19 clinical trial underway. The study will test if a rheumatological drug can prevent people from contracting COVID-19. The trial is being led by a team at the Faculty of Health Sciences and the University of Manitoba. The trial will be done to determine if the drug can be safely used to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The University is hoping to recruit as many Manitobans as possible to be involved in the trial. Eligible participants include (1) anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19, (2) anyone who lives with someone that's tested positive, and (3) healthcare workers that have been exposed to a confirmed case.
If you meet the criteria and are interested in participating, visit COVID-19research.ca
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.
