Coronavirus: No new cases in Manitoba, re-open strategy to be released Wednesday

Manitoba has not seen any new novel coronavirus cases overnight, keeping our curve nice and flat.

The total currently stands at 272, and the death toll remains at six. Seven people are in hospital with two in ICU, with 209 recovered and 57 active cases.

Dr. Brent Roussin, the province’s chief medical health officer, confirmed that he and the province will release their plan for re-opening on Wednesday.

“It will be cautious,” he said.

0:38 Coronavirus outbreak: No new cases of COVID-19 in Manitoba

Testing criteria for Manitobans was expanded Tuesday to anyone who has symptoms. Roussin said while two symptoms are usually required to be tested, health care providers will ultimately make the judgement call.

Community transmission has been very low, he added.

However, if expanded testing shows that community transmission is higher than thought, things will be re-assessed.

“It’s very unlikely we’ve missed a huge number of cases out there,” he said, or hospital beds designated for COVID-19 would have increased.

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.