Public health officials have identified six new cases of COVID-19 in the province and one more person has died as of Friday, April 10, bringing the total number of lab-confirmed and probable positive cases in Manitoba to 230.

Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin says the additional fatality was a Winnipeg man in his 70s with underlying medical conditions. His death brings the total death count in the province to four.

For the past few days, Roussin notes, the number of new confirmed cases has remained minimal and that is encouraging. However, now is not the time to grow complacent, he says.

“I again caution Manitobans that these numbers over the past few days may be showing us that our efforts are working, but we cannot interpret them as a lowering of our current risk," Roussin says.

The data also shows that 10 individuals are currently hospitalized, which includes five individuals in intensive care, and 92 individuals have reportedly recovered from COVID-19. Cadham Provincial Laboratory performed 962 tests Thursday.

A total of 16,220 tests have been performed since early February.

These statistics may be a reflection of the effect strict social distancing measures have had and affirms these measures must be continued, Roussin says.

Roussin acknowledges the typical Easter and Passover celebrations common to this time of year and again urges his fellow Manitobans to refrain from those unnecessary gatherings.

Echoing the statement made by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Roussin is advising cottagers who may have property across the border to stay away this long weekend.