There has been one more probable case of the novel coronavirus in Winnipeg, say Manitoba health officials.
The person is a man in his 20s. His case is likely linked to another case, said Dr. Brent Roussin, the province’s chief public health officer.
The province got through a major backlog Wednesday, with 734 tests completed at the local lab and a total of 5,606 tests completed so far, said Roussin.
There are now 36 probable and confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Manitoba. One person remains in ICU.
On Wednesday, the Manitoba government asked businesses for help in manufacturing supplies that will be needed as cases continue to rise.
Asked if students will go back to school on April 13 as first presumed, Roussin said it was unlikely, but more information will come shortly.
More community test sites will open Friday in Eriksdale at the Wellness Centre at 35 Railway Ave. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and in Portage la Prairie at the Stride Centre, 245 Royal Rd., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
Community testing sites will be opening Saturday in Dauphin and Monday in Pine Falls.
In a release earlier in the day Thursday the province had said the Pine Falls location would be opening Friday, but later corrected the date.
The community testing site in The Pas will move to to the Royal Canadian Legion at 4 Veterans Way Friday and will continue to be open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In a release earlier in the day Thursday the province had said the The Pas site would be moving to the Wescana Inn, but later corrected the location.
The new locations will bring the total number of sites in Manitoba to 16.
Information on locations and hours for sites can be found here: www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/locations.html.
Testing criteria for people will now widen, said Roussin.
Wait times at Health Links are down to 22 minutes, said Lanette Siragusa of Shared Health.
Siragusa thanked people who have been waiting for their test results. She said those who have been tested and are negative will get a call by end of day Friday.
When asked about mask supplies, Siragusa said supplies are flowing in daily.
“We’ve been informed that we do have an adequate supply that we have enough for several months,” she said, saying they did see some theft and some hoarding so some supplies have been put under lock and key.
Officials did not discover who stole supplies.
Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:
Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. Some provinces and territories have also implemented additional recommendations or enforcement measures to ensure those returning to the area self-isolate.
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. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.
For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.