Manitoba health officials reporting 12 COVID-19 cases, bringing total to 194

Manitoba health officials announced 12 new probable cases of COVID-19 on Saturday, bringing Manitoba’s total number of cases to 194.

No additional deaths have been reported.

Ten people are currently hospitalized in province as a result of the virus, with six in intensive care.

The Cadham Provincial Laboratory performed 567 tests on Friday and as of Saturday morning, a total of 12,514 tests have been performed.

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Earlier this week, one confirmed case at the Betel Home in Gimli.

Testing has been completed on nine of the home’s residents, after showing symptoms of respiratory illness, and it confirmed no new cases of COVID-19.

On Friday, another Manitoban died due to the novel coronavirus bringing the province’s death toll to two.

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Lanette Siragusa of Shared Health said eight companies have “responded to the province’s call for donations of medical supplies.”

One day after putting out a call for supplies, the health system received donations of 2,570 N95 masks, 3,110 surgical and procedure masks, 9,300 gloves and 202 bottles of hand sanitizer, said the province.

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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.