This story will be updated once the press conference starts and throughout.
Manitoba’s coronavirus curve continues to stay flat as one new case was announced Friday.
On Thursday, the number of Manitoba COVID-19 cases dropped by one to 283 cases after a presumptive positive came back negative. That total now goes back up to 284.
As of Friday morning, five people were in hospital, and none were in ICU. There have been 247 recoveries and there are still 30 active cases.
The death toll remains at seven.
Dr. Brent Roussin, the province’s top doc, said the new case was a “close contact” with the cluster. So far, six employees and two close contacts have come down with coronavirus.
Mother’s Day, happening Sunday, is better done virtually this year, said Roussin.
“If you are going to get together, no large groups,” he said, adding anyone with any kind of COVID-19 symptoms should not visit.
Lanette Siragusa with Shared Health said an outbreak at Health Sciences Centre on March 30 is now officially over, since two incubation periods have now passed.
Asked whether hospital visitation will be re-instated, Siragusa said people should “stay tuned” and that visits will have restrictions when they are allowed again.
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.