News Releases

Media Bulletin - Manitoba

March 25, 2020

COVID-19 Bulletin #31



Watch news conference





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 community in the area of 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.

- 30 -

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED




Backgrounder
Background Information - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2020/03/BG-COVID-19_Bulletin_31-HL.pdf