Manitoba’s public health officials announced 13 new cases of COVID-19 in the province Saturday. That brings the total number of cases in Manitoba to 243.
There are now 143 active COVID-19 cases, while 96 people have recovered — those who have recovered from the illness or who have died are not included in the active caseload by public health.
The province is now looking at procuring reusable masks within Manitoba, chief nursing officer Lannette Siragusa said Saturday, as a potential solution to the global shortage of N95 masks.
The government issued a request for proposals Saturday for Manitoba manufacturers to produce the new reusable masks, after Health Sciences Centre surgeons and specialists designed a prototype. The new mask has a silicone base and uses an N95 or higher grade filter, according to the province.
The province is willing to sign purchase orders totaling up to $15 million to pre-order the masks, the province wrote in a news release.
Siragusa also said a number of private businesses have stepped in, donating much-needed medical supplies to the province.
Anticipated shipments of personal protective equipment from the federal government have started, Siragusa said — on Wednesday she had warned Manitoba’s multi-million dollar PPE order had only trickled, with a few hundred thousand dollars’ worth of equipment arriving from the federal government despite the province putting in a supply order early.
The province recorded its fourth death related to the disease caused by novel coronavirus Friday, said chief public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin that day.
That victim was a man in his 70s who had been in intensive care. Prior to his hospitalization, he had been at a personal care home — but Roussin said officials don’t believe he contracted the virus there.
Eight people are currently hospitalized, including five in intensive care.
Officials also announced six new cases Friday.
Roussin spoke with cautious optimism Friday, saying the province’s relatively low number of cases lately might suggest physical distancing protocols are working.
However, he continued to urge people to stay home if they’re sick, to practice physical distancing, to frequently wash their hands and avoid gatherings and all non-essential travel.
He reiterated that call Saturday, requesting Manitobans stay home from holiday gatherings.
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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