Manitoba health officials say another person has died from the novel coronavirus.
Dr. Brent Roussin, the province’s chief medical health officer, said 13 additional cases of the virus have also been reported.
As of Tuesday morning, Manitoba had 217 cases in the province. Twelve Manitobans were in hospital, with six in intensive care, and 21 have recovered from the virus.
Three people have died.
The latest victim was a man in his 60s from Winnipeg, said Roussin. He also had underlying medical conditions.
Roussin said Monday after listening to Canada’s chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, that people can consider wearing masks to protect others.
On Tuesday, he reiterated that people need to stay home but added that it’s still OK to head outside.
“Take a walk around the block with your family, as long as you can maintain that two-metre distance, that’s great,” he said.
“If you go to a crowded park, turn around.”
He also said it’s unwise for families to gather for Easter or Passover celebrations this year.
“Assessment clinics for COVID-19-positive patients are also being established,” the province added.
“In addition to the primary care space, these locations will also serve as designated testing sites in a separate area at the site to support additional capacity for testing.”
The first community testing site and assessment clinic will open Wednesday at St. James Assiniboia Centennial Pool on Parkdale Street.
“Testing sites and assessment clinics will NOT be walk-in services,” the province said.
“People seeking testing should still call Health Links-Info Santé first or be referred by their primary care provider. ”
Asked about timelines, Roussin told a CJOB reporter that Manitoba will be dealing with the virus for quite some time.
“We’re likely going to be dealing with this virus for some time until there’s a vaccine,” he said. “That could be much time in the future.”
As for possible random testing in the future, Roussin said that would be of “little benefit.”
“We’re always going to be focused on people with respiratory health services.”
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.
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