Manitoba health officials say seven more people have contracted the novel coronavirus, bringing the province’s total to 103.
“It is within our range of projections at this stage,” said Dr. Brent Roussin, the province’s chief public health officer. “This is within things that we were expecting.”
Manitoba currently has 103 probable and confirmed cases of COVID-19. One person has died. Three people are currently in hospital, two in ICU, and four people have recovered.
A staff member at Selkirk Regional Health Centre has tested positive for COVID-19, said Roussin.
“This individual worked in the health centre’s emergency department and medicine ward from March 19 to 23,” he said.
Dates and times of possible exposure include:
• March 19 from 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Selkirk Regional Health Centre Emergency Department;
• March 20 from 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Selkirk Regional Health Centre Emergency Department;
• March 21 from 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Selkirk Regional Health Centre Emergency Department;
• March 22 from 11:45 p.m. to March 23 7:45 a.m. in the Selkirk Regional Health Centre Emergency Department.
While everyone in contact with this person was contacted, said Roussin, people who are concerned can call Healthlinks.
People who visisted Selkirk Health Centre Emergency Department during these times should self-isolate for 14 days.
Asked if he could confirm reports of other incidents of health care workers becoming ill from patients, Roussin said he would not confirm.
On Monday, the province announced a new public health order that closes all non-essential businesses starting Wednesday. Earlier on Tuesday, the province announced schools will stay closed indefinitely through the rest of the school year.
Cadham Provincial Laboratory performed 378 tests Monday. As of March 31, a total of 8,914 tests have been performed.
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.
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