News Releases

Media Bulletin - Manitoba

March 21, 2020

COVID-19 Bulletin #25



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Public health officials advise an additional case of COVID-19 was identified on March 19, bringing the number of lab-confirmed positive and presumptive positive cases in Manitoba to 18 at this time.

Case 18 is a woman in her 50s who lives in Winnipeg.  At this time, the public health investigation indicates the case is related to travel.  Information about flights where a person with a lab-confirmed case of COVID-19 had symptoms at the time of travel are updated at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/flights.html as information becomes available.

Manitobans are reminded that public health orders remain in effect.  They include:
•    limit public gatherings to less than 50 people including places of worship, family events, weddings and funerals;
•    require retailers to ensure separation of two metres between patrons in their facility;
•    limit hospitality premises such as restaurants or theatres to 50 people, or 50 per cent of capacity (whichever is less); and
•    immediate closure of bingo and gaming centres, as well as wellness centres such as gyms and fitness centres.

At this time, the public health orders apply to public places, not workplaces.  However, workplaces should still follow good social distancing practices as recommended by public health including:
•    minimizing prolonged (more than 10 minutes), close (less than two meters/six feet) contact between other individuals in public;
•    avoiding greetings that involve touching such as handshakes;
•    disinfecting frequently used surfaces;
•    staying home if you are sick;
•    following public health advice related to self-monitoring and self-isolation if you have travelled or have been exposed to someone ill with the virus; and
•    cancelling travel and avoiding crowded places and events, especially if you are at higher risk (e.g. seniors and those with underlying medical conditions).

The online screening tool is now available in an interactive voice response (IVR) format.  It is not a replacement for Health Links–Info Santé.  It is specifically for Manitobans who prefer to complete the screening tool by phone rather than online.

The tool asks callers standard screening questions for COVID-19.  If needed, it directs those who may require a conversation with a health-care professional to Health Links–Info Santé.  People who want to self-screen can call (toll-free) 1-877-308-9038.

A new community screening drive-thru site has opened in south Winnipeg at the Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) Bison Drive Service Centre.  MPI employees vacated the premises, located at 15 Barnes St., earlier this week to make way for the testing site. 

Hours for the site, Manitoba’s 11th testing location and third drive-thru, are daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Information on other sites is 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 before arriving at a testing site.

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

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED




Backgrounder
Background Information - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2020/03/BG-COVID-19_Bulletin_25-HL.pdf