Send this page to someone via email

Only one new case has been identified overnight in Manitoba.

As of Monday morning, Manitoba had 204 cases in the province. Eleven Manitobans were in hospital with seven in intensive care, and 17 have recovered from the virus.

Two people have died.

Dr. Brent Roussin, the province’s chief medical health officer, said after listening to Canada’s chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam, people can consider wearing masks to protect others.

Roussin also speaks of non-medical masks and says it can be an additional way to protect those around you. BUT… again.. says the best thing you can do is STAY HOME! — Brittany Greenslade (@BrittAtGlobal) April 6, 2020

Story continues below advertisement

“Please do not let this distract from the main message,” said Roussin, “and that is to stay home.”

Medical masks should be in the hands of health care professionals, he added.

"We need to interrupt the transmission of this virus. Gathering in large groups is not going to achieve that," Dr. Roussin says. #glbwpg — Diana Foxall (@CJOBdiana) April 6, 2020

This means Easter dinner this weekend should not be happening, he added.

Cadham Provincial Laboratory performed 458 tests Sunday. As of April 6, a total of 13,476 tests have been performed.

Dr. Roussin says if you have health conditions that need to be monitored, you should keep in touch with your doctor virtually or over the phone. #glbwpg — Diana Foxall (@CJOBdiana) April 6, 2020

Story continues below advertisement

Lanette Siragusa of Shared Health gave some updates from questions on the weekend, including staff who are late because of the new screening process, will be paid for their full shift.

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

She also said medical personnel who have been moved from their usual site to a different site will see their parking compensated.

Onto PPE: Siragusa says they're continuing to keep an eye on supplies on a daily basis to make sure frontline workers have enough protective gear. "We have to protect our healthcare workers and we are fully committed to doing that." #glbwpg — Diana Foxall (@CJOBdiana) April 6, 2020

Asked about enforcement of social distancing rules, Roussin said other measures like fines are not off the table and may be used in the future if Manitobans put others in danger.

On enforcement — nothing is off the table, Dr. Roussin says. Acknowledges most Manitobans are following public health's directions but some aren't. #glbwpg — Diana Foxall (@CJOBdiana) April 6, 2020

Story continues below advertisement

Federal money

Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister once again pleaded for the federal government to be an intermediary to help provinces borrow money at a lower interest rate.

“We are the most indebted province in Canada,” he said Monday.

1:06 Coronavirus outbreak: Pallister, other premiers propose federal emergency reserve in wake of COVID-19 pandemic Coronavirus outbreak: Pallister, other premiers propose federal emergency reserve in wake of COVID-19 pandemic

“The burden our children and grandchildren are about to inherit is about to grow.”

Pallister says the economy has paid for Canada's healthcare system, but because COVID-19 has shut down the economy, that's not going to work now. "And so now governments are struggling to find the money from other sources, from somewhere else, while the economy suffers." #glbwpg — Diana Foxall (@CJOBdiana) April 6, 2020

Story continues below advertisement

The federal government’s credit rating means it can borrow at a lower rate than the provinces. This would save Canadians billions of dollars annually that could be better spent supporting health care and the most vulnerable Canadians, said Pallister.

Pallister first floated the idea at the end of March.

In the release – Pallister says Manitoba's recent proposal the federal government borrow on behalf of provincial governments and loan that money to provinces has received the support of all premiers in a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. — Brittany Greenslade (@BrittAtGlobal) April 6, 2020

“Manitoba’s about to take on, as are all the other provinces, some new debt. Call this Manitoba’s second pandemic mortgage.”

Pallister said the province worked hard to build it up its rainy day fund, but it will dry up.

1:14 Coronavirus outbreak: Pallister says Manitoba’s COVID-19 spending akin to ‘taking out a second mortgage’ Coronavirus outbreak: Pallister says Manitoba’s COVID-19 spending akin to ‘taking out a second mortgage’

He said a lower interest rate would save Manitobans over $1 billion in interest over a decade.

Story continues below advertisement

Read the letter:

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

Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. Some provinces and territories have also implemented additional recommendations or enforcement measures to ensure those returning to the area self-isolate.

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. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.

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