The latest COVID-19 totals: 20 new cases in Manitoba and a pair of new deaths, 10 new cases in Saskatchewan.
Manitoba announced its 15th and 16th people to die from the disease at a press briefing Sept. 3. Both victims were elderly females connected to an outbreak at the Bethesda Place seniors' home in Steinbach region - one woman was in her 80s, while the other was in her 90s. Officials did not say whether or not the victims were residents of the home.
Out of the 20 new cases reported Thursday, 13 were found in the Winnipeg region. Six were found in the Prairie Mountain Health region, while one new case was reported in the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority.
A new possible public exposure was reported at ABC Taxi Cabs and Limousine Service in Brandon August 19-21. Anyone who attended the business during those times is asked to stay home and monitor for symptoms.
Since the pandemic began, 1,264 people in Manitoba have tested positive for the disease - 457 people still have it as of Sept. 3, an overall increase of three people since yesterday. Twelve people are currently hospitalized with the disease, with one person in intensive care. No cases are currently active in northern Manitoba.
Saskatchewan reported its highest number of next cases in recent weeks, announcing 10 new cases with most in the Saskatoon area. Six new cases were found in the province's largest city, with the rest spread out between the central west region (two), the north central region (one) and the south central region (one). Thirty-six active cases remain in Saskatchewan, where 1,574 people have tested positive since the pandemic started.
The Saskatchewan government has officially discouraged non-essential interprovincial travel, citing the province's low number of active cases while other western provinces' case loads remain high. Travel between Flin Flon and communities nearby in Saskatchewan, including Creighton and Denare Beach, will not be affected.
"While interprovincial travel is permitted, public health officials are discouraging recreational travel to and from Saskatchewan," reads a provincial announcement issued Sept. 3.
"Essential travel, including travel for agricultural production, industry, transport, medical appointments, etc. has always been permitted and will continue to be. However, unnecessary trips should be avoided at this time."
Any travellers needing to go from one region to another are asked to check their destination's COVID-19 case information, local health orders and possible risks.
Two Saskatchewan residents are in hospital due to COVID-19, with one of the two in intensive care. One case remains active in far north Saskatchewan, in an unknown community in the western portion of the region.
