There are no new cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, in the province.
About 400 people were tested Sunday, and none of the results came back with a presumptive positive, said Dr. Brent Roussin, chief public health officer for Manitoba.
Those who do not have symptoms should not be tested, nor should they present themselves at testing centres, said Roussin.
Seven people have been diagnosed with a presumptive or confirmed case of COVID-19 in Manitoba.
Three more presumptive cases were identified on Sunday, including one person in the Interlake.
All three people had recently travelled internationally, Manitoba Health said late Sunday afternoon.
Roussin said scams are now showing up online, and people are being warned that scammers are pretending to be calling from Manitoba Public Health.
Winnipeg police confirmed on Monday that they’ve received reports of an email scam related to the COVID-19 outbreak.
They say scammers are sending unsolicited emails to potential victims, telling them they’ve likely been contaminated by the virus causing COVID-19.
The scammers then ask for a credit card number to begin a shipment of medication related to the contamination.
Anyone who receives an email or other communication, including a phone call or text, should delete the email or text without responding or hang up on the caller, police advise.
As for daycares, they are remaining open at this time, said Roussin, although he reiterated again that talks are ongoing.
Roussin also cautioned against joining large gatherings, especially with St. Patrick’s Day happening on Tuesday.
A new, dedicated testing site opened in Thompson on Monday at the Plaza Mall in the Thompson Clinic.
Flin Flon and The Pas will open sites as soon as tomorrow, said Lanette Siragusa, chief nursing officer for Manitoba Shared Health.
Health Links saw 1,700 calls Sunday, with an average wait time of one hour and 43 minutes, she added.
“We are continuing to add staff, including those University of Manitoba nursing students.”
The province is testing a new online self-assessment tool, said Siragusa.
Health-care facilities, including long-term care homes, are now under elevated visitor restrictions.
Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:
Health officials say the risk is low for Canadians but warn this could change quickly. They caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are asked to self-isolate for 14 days in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others.
Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.
To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. And if you get sick, stay at home.
For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.
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