The Manitoba government is opening up visits at personal care homes Tuesday and working towards building outdoor, all-season shelters near facilities so family and friends can visit during the COVID-19 outbreak.

A trio of Winnipeg organizations will receivemore than $2 million in funding to develop supportive recovery housing units, the province announced Wednesday.

Manitoba's Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister is expected to give more details on provincial funding for the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre Monday.

Manitoba put out a public plea for medical gear last week — including masks, gloves and gowns — and also said it was spending $100 million to boost supplies.

A limited supply of special N95 masks means Manitoba's frontline healthcare staff aren't adequately protected during the coronavirus pandemic, says the head of the Manitoba Nurses Union.

Health officials in Manitoba say the province has its first presumptive case of COVID-19.

"I spoke specifically to the federal health minister about some specific statements she made recently about stockpiling food," Manitoba Health Minister Cameron Friesen said.

The Manitoba government is providing $300,000 a year to expand access to kidney dialysis in northern Manitoba.

The Manitoba government and a major pharmacy chain are joining together to provide free counselling and products to people who want to quit smoking.

The renovation is expected to include up to 50,000 square feet of new construction.