Manitoba's total number of COVID-19 cases rose to 72 Sunday, but some positive news came in the form of the province's first recoveries from the disease.
Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer, announced eight new positive tests for COVID-19 during a March 29 provincial announcement and announced two people have recovered from the disease. One person remains in intensive care and one additional person is in hospital with symptoms.
“If you return from Manitoba, you must self-isolate for 14 days and monitor your symptoms and call Health Links-Info Sante, should you develop any symptoms,” Roussin said.
“Many of these cases that we are detecting have been doing just that. They've been self-isolating. They attend care after calling Health Links and then they're back in isolation. They've done their part.”
Over 900 tests for COVID-19 were done at Cadham Provincial Laboratory March 27, the day with a spike of cases. No more recent updates on testing numbers were given, but Roussin said more details would be posted online.
“I want to remind Manitobans that Public Health does not recommend the use of masks in public spaces for people who are not symptomatic,” Roussin said.
“This virus is spread through droplets created by coughing or sneezing and it is contagious through close contact to infected individuals. Coughing into the sleeve and good hand hygiene are our best ways to protect ourselves from the virus.”
Chief nursing officer Lanette Siragusa said they are catching up on sharing negative test results, noting their top priority is sharing positive results.
An updated health order banning public gatherings of more than 10 people comes into effect March 29.
