Send this page to someone via email

There are now 21 probable and confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Manitoba.

Province says there's one new case of COVID-19 for a total of 21. The latest patient is a man in his 40s living in Winnipeg, with public health now investigating whether or not that case is linked to travel. #glbwpg — Diana Foxall (@CJOBdiana) March 24, 2020

The case, a man in his 40s who lives in Winnipeg, is being investigated to see if it is related to travel.

Story continues below advertisement

Manitoba’s current novel coronavirus cases stand at 21. One case was added Monday, but another case was removed from the probable list when test results came back negative.

One person has required hospitalization so far and has now been sent home.

Manitoba is currently testing high-priority cases with a focus on those who have traveled.

However, Dr. Brent Roussin, the province’s chief public health officer, said that focus will widen over the coming days.

Dr. Roussin says anyone coming back from elsewhere should go straight home — don't grab some groceries or visit anyone, just leave the airport and head right home. #glbwpg — Diana Foxall (@CJOBdiana) March 24, 2020

Story continues below advertisement

“We definitely are not helpless against this virus,” said Roussin.

Dr. Roussin says he's looking at tightening the rules on the number of people allowed at gatherings. Currently its no more than 50 that's allowed — Brittany Greenslade (@BrittAtGlobal) March 24, 2020

“Non-essential and routine diagnostic testing, including laboratory, imaging and non-invasive cardiac services, will be postponed as Manitoba continues to respond to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic,” according to the province.

0:45 Coronavirus outbreak: Manitoba announces one new case of COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak: Manitoba announces one new case of COVID-19

“Urgent diagnostic testing, including tests and procedures required for immediate care management, will continue with appropriate screening and precautions in place. Affected patients will be contacted directly and urged to contact their doctor immediately if symptoms worsen. Appointments will be rescheduled as quickly as possible following response to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Story continues below advertisement

About 420 people visited community testing sites yesterday, said Lanette Siragusa of Shared Health, bringing up the total number of people tested to about 4,500.

New drive thru site opening in Winkler tomorrow. This will be the 12th site around the province — Brittany Greenslade (@BrittAtGlobal) March 24, 2020

Visitor restrictions are still in place at all health care and long-term health care services across the country. No visitors are allowed, for the most part, although some special exceptions will apply. Parents who have children in the hospital will be able to visit their child one parent at a time.

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

Asked why our numbers are lower and why community transmission are not being reported here as compared to other regions in Canada, Roussin said our numbers are similar to what happened in other jurisdictions in the country “at this point in their outbreaks.”

Story continues below advertisement

Dr. Roussin says based on models usually community transmission is seen within 3 weeks of the first case. Our first case in Manitoba was on March 12. — Brittany Greenslade (@BrittAtGlobal) March 24, 2020

He also says people can face fines under the Public Health Act if they fail to follow these rules — Brittany Greenslade (@BrittAtGlobal) March 24, 2020

Story continues below advertisement

1:33 Winnipeg’s Cadham Provincial Laboratory aims to accelerate COVID-19 testing Winnipeg’s Cadham Provincial Laboratory aims to accelerate COVID-19 testing