22 New COVID Cases, 1 New Death

Public Health officials have announced 22 new cases of COVID-19 in Manitoba today.

Also, one previously announced case from August 15th has been removed, which leaves the province with a total of 1,064 cases.

Officials are reporting another death linked to the virus, a woman in her 90’s from the Southern-Health region. This case is linked to the outbreak at the Bethesda Place care home in Steinbach. The number of deaths in the province related to COVID-19 is now 14.

Nine new cases of the virus are from the Prairie Mountain Health region, and Dr. Roussin says many of the region’s new cases are linked to testing campaigns at Hutterite colonies.

None of Thursday’s newly announced cases are in the Dauphin health district, where there continues to be a total of 7 cases.

There are now 6 people in hospital, with one in intensive care.

At this time, 407 of the province's cases are considered active, and 643 people have recovered from the virus.

A new public health order is going into effect on Friday, August 28. The order will require Manitobans to self-isolate for 14 days if:
• they have tested positive for COVID-19; or
• they have been exposed to COVID-19 by a close contact

Chief public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin says all Manitobans that this order applies to would be contacted directly by public health to let them know, at which point they are expected to immediately self-isolate at their home or an approved location. Individuals will be subject to fines for non-compliance, up to $486 dollars — which could be assessed daily.

Dr. Roussin says the new order gives the province an easier way to penalize individuals break the health order, by issuing the fine.

As the province in increasing their messaging about the importance of mask-wearing, Roussin provided some tips on maximizing your mask’s effectiveness: