Four new cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Manitoba, bringing a total number of lab-confirmed positive and probable cases to 221.

As of Wednesday morning, Manitoba health officials say there are still 23 cases within Southern Health. Of those, 19 are confirmed positive, while the other four are probable positive. There are still zero health care workers within Southern Health to test positive.

The data also shows:

  • 12 individuals are currently hospitalized, which includes six individuals in intensive care;
  • 69 individuals have recovered from COVID-19; and
  • the total number of deaths reported in Manitoba is three.

Cadham Provincial Laboratory performed 477 tests Tuesday. A total of 14,708 tests have been performed since early February.

Dr. Brent Roussin, Chief Provincial Public Health Officer, says we should not interpret current case numbers to mean the risk is reduced, and he stresses Manitobans to remain vigilant.

"These numbers may be a reflection of the benefit our enhanced social distancing strategies and the hard work Manitobans have put in towards that," he says. "But I need to make this clear, now is not the time to let our guards down. These next few weeks are critical to Manitoba's response to this virus and flattening the curve."

Dr. Roussin added we need to continue to adhere to social distancing measures by staying home as much as we can and only going out for essentials.

The doctor admits these social distancing protocols and public health orders have taken a toll on people but says we must not let up as the numbers show the extreme measures are working.

Dr. Roussi adds the next few weeks will be critical in Manitoba, noting this coming Easter weekend will also play a pivotal role in preventing the transmission of COVID-19, especially with the possibility of better weather.

"There's going to be that urge to gather in large groups to celebrate. I need to make it very clear that now is not the time for that," warned Dr. Roussin, who said our actions this weekend are critical to our numbers in the next week or two. "If we let our guards up now, if we loosen our social distancing strategies, it could compromise our ability to flatten the curve."

Manitobans are reminded to continue seeking care for regular and chronic medical conditions. Primary care and community health offices continue to be available for those patients in need of care, with virtual (phone and video) options available as well as in-person appointments and walk-in services.

The first Community COVID-19 Testing Site and Assessment Clinic in Winnipeg opened today at the St. James Assiniboia Centennial Pool and Fitness Centre, 644 Parkdale St. With the opening of this site, Access Winnipeg West will once again focus on primary care and community health services and no longer be a designated community testing site for COVID 19.

Assessment clinics for COVID-19 positive patients offer primary care services on an appointment basis for anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or has respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath.

In addition to the primary care space, these locations will also serve as designated testing sites in a separate area at the site to support additional capacity for testing.

Testing sites and assessment clinics will NOT be walk-in services. People seeking testing should still call Health Links-Info Santé first or be referred by their primary care provider.

For up-to-date information on community screening sites, visit www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/locations.html.

Public health is also advising people to remain within or close to their home communities. This includes limiting travel, even within Manitoba, to essential trips only. Services at smaller health centres could be strained if seasonal visitors become ill.

Any person concerned about their exposure to or risk of having COVID-19 should call Health Links–Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or (toll-free) at 1-888-315-9257 to be screened to see if a test is required.

For more information and to access the online screening tool for COVID-19, visit www.manitoba.ca/covid19.

A comprehensive list of Manitoba government COVID-19 measures can be found online.