Send this page to someone via email

There are no new cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, in the province.

About 400 people were tested Sunday, and none of the results came back with a presumptive positive, said Dr. Brent Roussin, chief public health officer for Manitoba.

Those who do not have symptoms should not be tested, nor should they present themselves at testing centres, said Roussin.

“We have not seen community-based transmission,” Dr. Roussin says, reiterating all cases in Manitoba so far have been travel-related. Classes in K to 12 schools will be suspended effective next Monday for a three week period. #glbwpg — Diana Foxall (@CJOBdiana) March 16, 2020

Story continues below advertisement

Seven people have been diagnosed with a presumptive or confirmed case of COVID-19 in Manitoba.

Three more presumptive cases were identified on Sunday, including one person in the Interlake.

All three people had recently travelled internationally, Manitoba Health said late Sunday afternoon.

All seven cases in Manitoba are now confirmed — with all infected people traveling internationally prior to their diagnoses. Destinations include Asia (South Korea, the Philippines), Europe and Egypt. #glbwpg — Diana Foxall (@CJOBdiana) March 16, 2020

Roussin said scams are now showing up online, and people are being warned that scammers are pretending to be calling from Manitoba Public Health.

Winnipeg police confirmed on Monday that they’ve received reports of an email scam related to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Story continues below advertisement

0:45 Manitoba’s Chief Public Health Officer warns of phishing scams during COVID-19 scare Manitoba’s Chief Public Health Officer warns of phishing scams during COVID-19 scare

They say scammers are sending unsolicited emails to potential victims, telling them they’ve likely been contaminated by the virus causing COVID-19.

[ Sign up for our Health IQ newsletter for the latest coronavirus updates ]

The scammers then ask for a credit card number to begin a shipment of medication related to the contamination.

Anyone who receives an email or other communication, including a phone call or text, should delete the email or text without responding or hang up on the caller, police advise.

Dr. Roussin says these times bring out the best and the worst in people. They have seen multiple phishing scams pop up amid the pandemic — Brittany Greenslade (@BrittAtGlobal) March 16, 2020

Story continues below advertisement

“I cannot stress enough… now is not the time to travel outside Canada” – Dr. Brent Roussin — Brittany Greenslade (@BrittAtGlobal) March 16, 2020

As for daycares, they are remaining open at this time, said Roussin, although he reiterated again that talks are ongoing.

Roussin also cautioned against joining large gatherings, especially with St. Patrick’s Day happening on Tuesday.

“Can’t stress enough — wash your hands frequently, cough into the sleeve, sneeze into the sleeve, stay home when you’re ill,” Dr. Roussin says. He’s encouraging businesses not to require sick notes for ill staff as the health system needs to handle the pandemic — not write notes. — Diana Foxall (@CJOBdiana) March 16, 2020

Story continues below advertisement

A new, dedicated testing site opened in Thompson on Monday at the Plaza Mall in the Thompson Clinic.

Flin Flon and The Pas will open sites as soon as tomorrow, said Lanette Siragusa, chief nursing officer for Manitoba Shared Health.

Over the last four days, those Winnipeg screening centres have seen 1200 patients. Siragusa says 140 medical students are currently helping at the Access centres, and a group of nursing students are helping out at Health Links — Which saw 1700 calls yesterday. #glbwpg — Diana Foxall (@CJOBdiana) March 16, 2020

Health Links saw 1,700 calls Sunday, with an average wait time of one hour and 43 minutes, she added.

“We are continuing to add staff, including those University of Manitoba nursing students.”

Province also looking at virtual care in some areas for specific issues — Brittany Greenslade (@BrittAtGlobal) March 16, 2020

Story continues below advertisement

The province is testing a new online self-assessment tool, said Siragusa.

Health-care facilities, including long-term care homes, are now under elevated visitor restrictions.

Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:

Health officials say the risk is low for Canadians but warn this could change quickly. They caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are asked to self-isolate for 14 days in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others.

Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.

Story continues below advertisement

To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. And if you get sick, stay at home.

For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.