Public health officials say that while the risk of transmission is considered low, they are sharing three potential-exposure locations.

Officials are reporting 40 new cases of COVID-19, tying the province's highest daily count from April 2. Currently, there are 246 active cases of the virus, with 389 recoveries.

The total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable positive cases in Manitoba is 643. 

The current five-day positivity rate is 1.25 per cent.

The 40 new cases include:

• 25 new cases in the Prairie Mountain Health region

• five new cases in Southern Health–Santé Sud

• 10 new cases in the Winnipeg health region

 

The province believes most of the Prairie Mountain Health region cases are from previously-announced cases but share there are early indications of community transmission

"Case investigations are ongoing and when they are completed, additional information will be provided as needed to inform of any public health risks," the province says in a statement.

Public health officials are advising that two potential exposure to COVID-19 may have occurred in three locations:

  • Sobey’s at 1570 18th St. in Brandon on August 7
  • Cartwright Town and Country Golf Club, along PTH 3, just west of Cartwright on August 9
  • Minnedosa Hospital at 334 First St. August 10

"While the risk of transmission is considered low, information is being provided to help people assess their risk and seek testing if symptoms appear."

Currently, there are nine current hospitalizations, with three individuals in intensive care with no new deaths due to COVID-19.

Testing numbers show an additional 2,288 laboratory tests were completed on Thursday, bringing the total number of tests completed since early February to 110,492.

Unless recommended by public health, the province asks that only individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should go for testing. If presenting symptoms, the province asks for those to go for testing as soon as possible.

Employers are asked to only send employees for testing if they have symptoms or if testing has been recommended by public health.