The province says a $298 fine is being put in place for people refusing to wear a mask in public indoors.

Public health officials advise 11 additional deaths due to COVID-19 have been reported today that include:
• a female in her 50s from the Southern Health–Santé Sud health region;
• a male in his 60s from the Winnipeg health region;
• a male in his 70s from the Interlake–Eastern health region; 
• a male in his 70s from the Interlake–Eastern health region;
• a male in his 80s from the Southern Health–Santé Sud health region;
• a male in his 80s from the Southern Health–Santé Sud health region;
• a male in his 80s from the Winnipeg health region and linked to the outbreak at the Golden Links Lodge;
• a male in his 80s from the Winnipeg health region and linked to the outbreak at the Golden Links Lodge;
• a female in her 80s from the Prairie Mountain Health region;
• a male in his 90s from the Winnipeg health region; and
• a female in her 90s from the Winnipeg health region and linked to the outbreak at the Golden Links Lodge.

The current five-day COVID-19 test positivity rate is 14.2 per cent provincially and 13.8 per cent in Winnipeg, and 400 new cases of the virus have been identified as of 9:30 a.m. However, one case was removed because it was a duplicate. This brings the net new cases to 399 and the total lab-confirmed cases in Manitoba to 12,007.

Today’s data shows:
• 20 cases in the Interlake-Eastern health region;
• 40 cases in the Northern health region;
• eight cases in the Prairie Mountain Health region;
• 93 cases in the Southern Health–Santé Sud health region; and
• 239 cases in the Winnipeg health region.

The data also shows:
• 7,385 active cases and 4,432 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19;
• there are 249 people in hospital with 40 people in intensive care; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 is 190.

Laboratory testing numbers show 3,050 tests were completed yesterday, bringing the total number of lab tests completed since early February to 318,479. Case investigations continue and if a public health risk is identified, the public will be notified.

A specific fine of $298 is being put in place for not wearing a mask in public places, which is required under the current public health orders. Enforcement officials can issue this fine. Dr. Brent Roussin says it only applies to indoor public places. Those wishing to contest the ticket can do so after being issued one.

The individual fine of $1,296 for other public health order violations remains unchanged.

Public health officials have advised that an outbreak has been declared at Health Science Centre GH3 and GA4 units. The sites have been moved to Critical (red) on the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System.

Possible exposure locations are listed online by region at the province’s #RestartMB Pandemic Response System webpage. For up-to-date information on possible public exposures to COVID-19 in regions, visit www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/updates/flights.html#event and click on your region.

The chief provincial public health officer urges Manitobans to only leave their homes for essential purposes. When leaving the house to obtain essentials, be sure to physically distance, wear a mask in indoor public places and avoid crowded spaces. Do not leave the home if you are sick, or when any member of your family is sick. Further, do not socialize with anyone from outside your household.