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Manitoba has recorded five more cases of novel coronavirus.

The number of cases in Manitoba stands at 262. Six people have died. Seven people are in hospital, with two in ICU, 174 people are recovered and there are 82 active cases.

The average stay in ICU is about 11 days.

327 tests performed at Cadham lab Wednesday. Total amount of tests since February is 21,387. — Marney Blunt (@MarneyBlunt) April 23, 2020

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“The province advises there was an error in the numbers reported yesterday. The actual total should have been reported as 21,061,” the province said in a release.

Loosening of restrictions will be done very cautiously, Dr. Roussin reiterates. #glbwpg — Diana Foxall (@CJOBdiana) April 23, 2020

Dr. Brent Roussin, the province’s chief public health officer, said he has quickly reviewed Saskatchewan’s five-phase reopening plan, released Thursday morning.

He said the plan is similar to plans Manitoba is looking at.

“We will review that more in detail, but [their plan is] more along the lines of the kind of plans we have been looking at.”

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Dr. Roussin says Manitobans can expect a reopening plan — similar to what Saskatchewan has released — in the next week or week and a half. #glbwpg — Diana Foxall (@CJOBdiana) April 23, 2020

Dr. Roussin says we're looking at loosening restrictions in May potentially — similar to Saskatchewan's plan released today. #glbwpg — Diana Foxall (@CJOBdiana) April 23, 2020

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He also said those celebrating Ramadan should do so in a “virtual fashion.”

Shipment of PPE

Lanette Siragusa of Shared Health said a major shipment of equipment came to Manitoba Wednesday by chartered plane.

The province now has 150,000 disposable isolation gowns thanks to a partnership between the province and Spirit RX Services, a local medical supply company, she said.

“We will continue to explore options to secure personal protection equipment for all our frontline staff,” she said.

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.

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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.