Province of Manitoba Media Bulletin
August 18, 2020
Public health officials advising a 10th and 11th death related to COVID-19 have been reported, both in the Southern Health–Santé Sud region – a male in his 80s from the Hanover health district and a male in his 90s from the Niverville/Ritchot health district. These are previously announced cases connected to known clusters and the individuals were hospitalized.
The current five-day COVID-19 test positivity rate is 1.8 per cent. Seventeen new cases of the virus have been identified as of 9:30 a.m. today. One case was removed from the list and brings the total number of lab-confirmed cases in Manitoba to 748.
The data shows there were:
• two new cases in Interlake–Eastern Health region;
• two new cases in the Prairie Mountain Health region;
• two new cases in Southern Health–Santé Sud; and
• 11 new cases in the Winnipeg health region.
Preliminary investigations indicate the Winnipeg cases are mostly related to contacts that turned into cases. There are cases with unknown acquisition in the region. Case investigations are ongoing and when they are completed, additional information will be provided as needed to inform of any public health risks.
The data also shows:
• eight current hospitalizations, with two individuals in intensive care;
• 235 active cases and 502 individuals have recovered from COVID-19; and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 is 11.
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, practising proper hand hygiene, covering your cough and physical distancing when you are with people outside your household. If you cannot physical distance, wear a mask.
Testing numbers show an additional 1,028 laboratory tests were completed on Monday, bringing the total number of tests completed since early February to 116,990.
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.
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