Province of Manitoba Media Bulletin
September 4, 2020
Public health officials advise the current five-day COVID-19 test positivity rate is 1.4 per cent and nine new cases of the virus have been identified as of 9:30 a.m. today. This brings the total number of cases in Manitoba to 1,273.
The data shows:
• one case in the Prairie Mountain Health region;
• two cases in Southern Health–Santé Sud; and
• six cases in the Winnipeg Health region.
The data also shows:
• 422 active cases and 835 individuals have recovered from COVID-19,
• there are 11 people in hospital and one person in intensive care, and
• the number of deaths due to COVID-19 is 16.
Preliminary investigations indicate the two cases in Southern Health–Santé Sud are not connected to Bethesda Place. Investigations continue and if a public health risk is identified, the public will be notified.
Confirmed laboratory testing numbers show an additional 1,737 tests were completed on Thursday, bringing the total number of lab tests completed since early February to 142,718.
Today, the Manitoba government released the Wear It Well animated video. This resource, for parents, teachers and early childhood educators, will help teach younger children how to wear a non-medical mask and take steps to help stop the spread of COVID-19. The video was produced in Manitoba with local animators. The video can be viewed at: www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/covid/index.html#public.
With the increased number of cases in southern Manitoba, public health is re-implementing travel restrictions to northern Manitoba and remote communities, effective today. In addition to the orders, all travellers are asked to respect any restrictions that First Nation communities have in place, as these communities are working with the advice of public health officials to ensure the health and safety of their residents. There are exceptions for travelling directly to a campground or lodge. If you are travelling to the north, you are required to limit any stops to just the necessities outside of your camping or lodge destination. For more details visit: https://manitoba.ca/covid19/protection/soe.html#mb-north.
Ahead of the long weekend, 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 physically distance, wear a mask. If you are travelling, remember to be ‘COVID-Careful’ by gassing up at home and ensuring all supplies are packed with you, so extra stops do not need to made along the way.
Some testing site hours of operation have changed for the holiday weekend. Visit https://manitoba.ca/covid19/updates/testing.html for the most up to date information.
Due to the holiday Monday, the next news conference will be held Tuesday, Sept. 8, unless otherwise indicated.
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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