Province of Manitoba Media Bulletin
September 2, 2020
Public health officials advise the current five-day COVID-19 test positivity rate is 1.8 per cent and 13 new cases of the virus have been identified as of 9:30 a.m. today. However, a case previously identified on Aug. 30 was removed as it was determined to be from out of province. This brings the total net new cases today to 12 and number of lab-confirmed cases in Manitoba to 1,244.
The data shows:
• eight cases in the Prairie Mountain Health region;
• one case in Southern Health–Santé Sud; and
• four cases in the Winnipeg Health region.
The data also shows:
• 454 active cases and 776 individuals have recovered from COVID-19,
• hospitalization information is delayed due to a technical issue and will be updated as soon as possible,
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 is 14.
Investigations continue and an update on clusters and outbreaks will be provided Thursday. If a public health risk is identified, the public will be notified.
Confirmed laboratory testing numbers show an additional 1,584 tests were completed on Tuesday, bringing the total number of lab tests completed since early February to 139,643.
Case investigations indicate two previously identified cases in health-care workers in the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority are linked to recent outbreaks – one at Fred Douglas Lodge and one at Beacon Hill Lodge Long Term Care Home. This information has been shared with families and staff. Close contacts are being identified and the case investigations are continuing.
While the risk is assessed to be low, the Fred Douglas and Beacon Hill facilities have initiated outbreak protocols in an abundance of caution. Both locations have put additional measures in place to further reduce the risk to residents and staff, and are restricting visitation. Both facilities have moved to Critical (red) on the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System.
Public health advises of two potential public exposure to COVID-19 may have occurred. The first on Aug. 21 to 23 at the Canoe Taphouse at 130 Wasagaming Dr. in Wasagaming. The second on Aug. 21 and 22 at the Buffalo Bar and Ten Restaurant at the Elkhorn Resort Spa and Conference Centre in Onanole. Times of exposures are listed online and can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/updates/flights.html#event.
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.
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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