Public health officials advise the current five-day COVID-19 test positivity rate is three per cent. The trend in the current five-day test positive rate is affected by positive results related to targeted testing in known clusters.
Twenty-two new cases of the virus have been identified today as of 9:30 a.m. today. However, a case previously reported on Aug. 15 was removed from the case totals. This means the total net new cases today is 21, bringing the total number of lab-confirmed cases in Manitoba to 1,064.
Public health officials are also reporting an additional death today, a female in her 90s from the Southern Health-Santé Sud health region. This case is associated with the outbreak at Bethesda Place in Steinbach. This brings the total number of deaths to 14.
The data shows:
• three new cases in the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority;
• nine new cases in the Prairie Mountain Health region;
• six new cases in Southern Health-Santé Sud; and
• four cases in the Winnipeg health region.
The data also shows:
• six current hospitalizations, with one individual in intensive care;
• 407 active cases and 643 individuals have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 is 14.
Preliminary investigations show that seven of the cases announced today are close contacts of a previously-announced case. Additional case investigations are continuing, and updated information will be updated when available.
Testing numbers show an additional 1,429 laboratory tests were completed on Wednesday, bringing the total number of tests completed since early February to 130,835.
Preliminary investigations indicate that a case previously identified in the Prairie Mountain Health region is a health care worker from the Rideau Park Personal Care Home in Brandon. The individual wore personal protective equipment and is self-isolating. Close contacts have been identified and the case investigation is continuing.
This information has been shared with the families, staff and close contacts. While no other cases have been identified as linked to this case and the risk is assessed to be low, in an abundance of caution, the site has initiated outbreak protocols.
The site is moving to Critical (red) on the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System. This means the site is putting additional measures in place to further reduce the risk to residents and staff, and is restricting visitation at the facility.
Effective Aug. 28, public health orders will require Manitobans to self-isolate for 14 days if:
• they have tested positive for COVID-19; or
• they have been exposed to COVID-19 by a close contact.
Individuals will be notified by a public health official if self-isolation is required. Once notified, the person must go to their residence or an approved self-isolation location and remain there for 14 days, or until they are directed otherwise by a public health official.
Exceptions will be made for in-person appointments with health care providers. However, if an individual leaves their home, they must wear a mask, maintain physical distancing and minimize the time away from their self-isolation location.
Failure to self-isolate in accordance with public health advice is a violation of the order and is enforceable under The Public Health Act. Individuals could be subject to fines for non-compliance.
Manitobans are strongly encouraged to return to the fundamentals to help stop the spread of COVID-19. This means not going out while you feel ill, practicing proper hand hygiene, covering your cough and physical distancing when you are with people outside your household. If you can’t physical distance, wear a mask.
Unless recommended by public health, only individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should go for testing. Individuals with symptoms are asked to seek testing as soon as possible once symptoms are present.
Employers are asked to only send employees for testing if they have symptoms or if testing has been recommended by public health. The online assessment tool can be found at https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/screening-tool/ and COVID-19 symptoms can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/updates/about.html#collapse4.
For up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/COVID19.
