WINNIPEG – CORONAVIRUS – Updated:Manitoba is now at a Yellow Alert.
Originally:
Manitoba has moved to a Condition Red on COVID-19.
Manitoba Public health officials advise the 24th death due to COVID-19 has been reported, a female in her 70s from the Whitemud district in Prairie Mountain Health region. This was a previously announced case linked to an outbreak in a communal living community.
The current five-day COVID-19 test positivity rate is 2.4 per cent and 56 new cases of the virus have been identified as of 9:30 a.m. today. One previously announced case has been removed from the case totals, bringing the net number of new cases today to 55 and the total number of cases in Manitoba to 2,246.
The outbreaks and the rate of the outbreaks have caused the provincial officials to shift to a Condition Red for the province.
Today’s data shows:
• one case in the Prairie Mountain Health region;
• two cases in the Southern Health–Santé Sud health region; and
• 22 cases in the Interlake–Eastern health region;
• 31 cases in the Winnipeg health region.
The data also shows:
• 781 active cases and 1,441 individuals have recovered from COVID-19;
• there are 28 people in hospital and seven people in intensive care; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 is 24.
Laboratory testing numbers show 1,904 tests were completed yesterday, bringing the total number of lab tests completed since early February to 195,595. Case investigations continue and if a public health risk is identified, the public will be notified.
Public health officials are advised about additional possible exposures at the following schools:
• Andrew Mynarski VC at 1111 Machray Ave., in Winnipeg on Sept. 28 and 29. Based on the public health investigation, there is no evidence of in-school transmission or that a case was acquired in school. Public health is reaching out to close contacts to advise self-isolation and one cohort will self-monitor.
• Dufferin School at 545 Alexander Ave., in Winnipeg on Sept. 28 and 29. Based on the public health investigation, there is no evidence of in-school transmission or that a case was acquired in school. Public health is reaching out to close contacts to advise self-isolation and one class will self-monitor.
The public is also being advised of possible exposures at these sites:
• Mahihkan Bus Lines Oct. 1 from Winnipeg northbound at 11 a.m.to Portage la Prairie, Dauphin, Swan River, Mafeking and The Pas.
• Tim Horton’s in Beausejour on Sept. 28 from 2 to 7 p.m. and Sept. 29 from 2 to 9 p.m. Risk to the public is considered low.
People who attended any of the above locations on the dates/times listed should self-monitor for symptoms and immediately isolate if they develop and seek testing.
After consultation with the restaurant and food industry, public health is implementing several orders for licensed premises in the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region. They include reduced service hours for liquor and operation, and require the premise to obtain contact information of patrons in groups of 10. The orders will go into force tomorrow at 6 p.m. For more information, visit: www.manitoba.ca/covid19/restartmb/prs/winnipeg/index.html#licensedpremises.
The Health Canada COVID Alert app is now available to Manitoba residents and provides digital COVID-19 exposure alerts once the app is downloaded to a smartphone. It is available at no cost in the Apple and Google Play app stores. For more information, visit: www.manitoba.ca/covid19/updates/covidalert.html.
Manitobans are encouraged to continue seeking care for their medical needs including routine appointments and immunizations. Beginning tomorrow, the requirement for non-medical masks in all Manitoba health facilities will extend to doctors’ offices and community service providers affiliated with Manitoba’s health regions. Anyone seeking treatment in, or visiting, a public health-care setting will be required to bring and wear a non-medical mask. Accommodations do exist for those who are not able to wear a mask for medical reasons.
Range of Response Measures
- Gathering sizes may be extremely limited.
- Non-essential workplaces may be ordered to close.
- Additional travel restrictions may be in place, based on COVID-19 transmission in other jurisdictions or the risk of COVID-19 being imported into Manitoba.
- Emergency health system capacity may need to be activated.
- Non-urgent surgeries and diagnostic procedures may be postponed or cancelled.
- Therapeutic health care businesses, such as chiropractors, physiotherapists, optometrists, podiatrists, therapeutic massage therapists and acupuncturists, may have additional restrictions such as only providing emergent or urgent services.
- Additional restrictions to visitation in hospitals, long-term care, personal care homes, and assisted living facilities may be in place.
- Post-secondary institutions may be closed with electronic learning tools in place.
- K-12 schools may be closed for in-class learning except for children of essential workers in grades K to 6.
- Day care centres may be closed with limited home-based child care and services only available with occupancy limits including for children of essential workers.
- Day camps may be ordered to close.
- Seasonal campgrounds, vacation cabins and yurts may be ordered to close.
- Retail businesses may only be open for essential services.
- Public food establishments, such as restaurants, cafeterias, cafes and similar businesses may be ordered to close, except for take-out, delivery and drive-thru options.
- Bars, lounges and similar establishments may be ordered to close except for take-out, delivery and drive-thru options.
- Casinos may be closed.
- Personal service establishments may be ordered to close except for essential services.
- Hair stylists/barbers may be ordered to close.
- Public/private indoor and outdoor swimming pools, spas, fitness clubs and gyms may be ordered to close (This would not apply to residential pools).
- Dance studios and performance spaces may be ordered to close. * Museums, galleries and libraries may be ordered to close.
- Playgrounds, skate parks, golf courses, tennis courts, driving ranges, marinas, drive-in movie theatres and other similar recreation facilities may be ordered to close.
Detailed Description of Levels
- At all levels, all Manitobans should follow these public health fundamentals.
- Always stay at home when you’re sick, even if mildly ill.
- Enhanced personal hygiene, including:
- regular and thorough handwashing;
- covering your nose and mouth with tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing;
- avoid sharing food or drinks; and,
- avoid touching your face.
People at higher risk of complications due to COVID-19 to take extra precautions and avoid closed spaces, crowded places and close contact settings.
Manitobans should wear masks in indoor settings where social distancing is not possible.
