The Manitoba government has announced this morning there are four lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Manitoba.

"Although Public Health investigations are ongoing, all four of these cases appear to be travel related," says Dr. Brent Roussin, Chief Provincial Public Health Officer. "Keeping to social distancing strategies outlined to Manitobans earlier in the week, and with consultations with stakeholders, it's been decided to recommend the closure of classes in Manitoba K-12 effective March 23-April 10."

Dr. Roussin says the risk of COVID-19 remains low, as they do not see community-based transmission and no evidence of cases in Manitoba schools. All actions are to ensure the safety and health of Manitobas and reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Public health officials continue to recommend these social distancing measures for all Manitobans:-minimizing prolonged (more than 10 minutes), close (less than two metres) contact between individuals in public;-avoiding greetings that involve touching such as handshakes;-disinfecting frequently used surfaces;-following public health advice related to self-monitoring and self-isolation if you have travelled or have been exposed to someone ill with the virus; and-avoiding all non-essential travel, as well as crowded places and events.

The government continues to monitor the evolving situation closely.

"Testing for COVID-19 in Manitoba has now increased to roughly 500 samples per day," says DR. Roussin. " I want to emphasize, testing for COVID-19 should only be taking place in symptomatic individuals, people who are showing signs of respiratory illness and other similar symptoms."

He notes there are increased pressures on health care, labs and other services and encourages only appropriate samples to be sent, which includes returning international travellers with symptoms of respiratory illness and those who have been in close contact with confirmed cases.

As of March 12, individuals in Winnipeg will be directed by Health Links-Info Sante to be tested for COVID-19 will be asked to visit a community screening location. The first two community screening locations will open that same day at Access Winnipeg West (at 280 Booth Dr.) and Access Fort Garry (135 Plaza Dr.).

People living outside Winnipeg who are concerned about their exposure to or risk of having COVID-19 are instructed to call Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free) for further information.