As community transmission in the city remains low, Winnipeg remains labelled as Yellow: Caution in the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System.

Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin notes there are 95 active cases in the Prairie Mountain Health region, a majority in Brandon with 66 associated with a business in the community among other clusters.

"We're seeing community-based transmission as well," Roussin says, adding they're hearing reports of large family gatherings in parks, along with religious gatherings in the community.

He says they're responded by elevating the Prairie Mountain Health region to 'Orange' the second-highest restriction level in the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System.

In total, 17 new cases were identified in the Prairie Mountain Health region, 10 in Southern Health, and six in Winnipeg. Officials have also elevated the Prairie Mountain Health region to 'Orange' the second-highest restriction level in the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System. This means community transmission of COVID-19 is occurring in the area.

Health restrictions are returning to the Prairie Mountain Health region as case numbers rise. Starting Monday, group sizes will be reduced to ten indoors and outdoors in the Prairie Mountain Health region. Masks will be mandatory for indoor public places as well as public gatherings in the Prairie Mountain Health region. Officials estimate the restrictions will likely be in place for 1-2 incubation periods (14-28 days).

COVID-19 cases in the province rose by 33 Thursday, bringing the total to 796.

There are 247 active cases and 537 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and the number of deaths due to COVID-19 is 12. Due to a technical issue, the status of hospitalizations and intensive care patients is currently unavailable.

Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin urges Manitobans to return to the fundamentals to fight the spread of the virus, including staying home when ill, proper hand hygiene, physical distancing and wearing a mask when unable to maintain distance.

Public Health officials are advising of two potential exposures to COVID-19 may have occurred. The first exposure was Aug. 8, at Manipogo Provincial Park, located off PTH 276 on Lake Winnipeg. The second exposure was Aug. 8 at a Crocus Soccer field, located at 930 First St. in Brandon.

Testing numbers show an additional 1,596 laboratory tests were completed on Wednesday, bringing the total number of tests completed since early February to 119,210.

Unless recommended by Public Health, only individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should go for testing. Individuals with symptoms are asked to seek testing as soon as possible once symptoms are present.