There are now 21 probable and confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Manitoba.
The case, a man in his 40s who lives in Winnipeg, is being investigated to see if it is related to travel.
Manitoba’s current novel coronavirus cases stand at 21. One case was added Monday, but another case was removed from the probable list when test results came back negative.
One person has required hospitalization so far and has now been sent home.
Manitoba is currently testing high-priority cases with a focus on those who have traveled.
However, Dr. Brent Roussin, the province’s chief public health officer, said that focus will widen over the coming days.
“We definitely are not helpless against this virus,” said Roussin.
“Non-essential and routine diagnostic testing, including laboratory, imaging and non-invasive cardiac services, will be postponed as Manitoba continues to respond to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic,” according to the province.
“Urgent diagnostic testing, including tests and procedures required for immediate care management, will continue with appropriate screening and precautions in place. Affected patients will be contacted directly and urged to contact their doctor immediately if symptoms worsen. Appointments will be rescheduled as quickly as possible following response to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
About 420 people visited community testing sites yesterday, said Lanette Siragusa of Shared Health, bringing up the total number of people tested to about 4,500.
Visitor restrictions are still in place at all health care and long-term health care services across the country. No visitors are allowed, for the most part, although some special exceptions will apply. Parents who have children in the hospital will be able to visit their child one parent at a time.
Asked why our numbers are lower and why community transmission are not being reported here as compared to other regions in Canada, Roussin said our numbers are similar to what happened in other jurisdictions in the country “at this point in their outbreaks.”