Manitoba Public Health is advising of 24 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Manitoba today, bringing the province's total cases to 1,632.

Two cases are in the Interlake–Eastern health region; two in the Southern Health–Santé Sud region; and 20 in the Winnipeg health region.

As well, Maplewood Manor in Steinbach has been upgraded to 'Critical' (red) on the province's pandemic response system after public health investigations revealed two previously identified cases of COVID-19 are linked to the facility.

While officials say the risk remains low, outbreak protocols have been implemented at the assisted-living facility out of an abundance of caution, and visitation has been restricted. Families and staff have been informed and close contacts are being identified. Officials say case investigations continue.

As of today, there are 20 confirmed cases associated with the John Pritchard School cluster, however, investigations continue.

Public health officials have advised Collège Louis-Riel of a confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the school on Sept. 14. The school is working closely with public health officials and following their recommendations. Upon learning of this information, the school facility immediately closed off areas used by the infected person and did not use these areas until after cleaning and disinfection occurred. Close contacts have been identified and are self-isolating. No one else is required to self-isolate from this exposure at this time and the school remains open. The infection was not acquired at school. Based on the public health investigation, this exposure was assessed to be low risk.  

Public health is also advising of possible exposures to COVID-19 at the following sites on the dates and times:
• the lounge at The Keg Steakhouse and Bar, 115 Garry St. in Winnipeg on Sept. 15 from 6 to 11:45 p.m. and Sept. 16 from 3:45 to 8:30 p.m.;
• Winnipeg Transit, route #47 on Sept. 12 and Sept. 13 from Mayfair Avenue and Queen Elizabeth Way at approximately 11:32 a.m. to Kildaire Avenue West and Kooteney Crescent at 12:10 p.m.; and
• Winnipeg Transit, route #47 on Sept. 12 and Sept. 13 from Plessis Road and Rosseau Avenue at approximately 9:45 p.m. to Mayfair Avenue and Queen Elizabeth Way at 10:20 p.m.

As well, additional COVID-19 drive-thru testing sites will open up in Manitoba in the coming weeks.

According to the province, the Manitoba government is contracting with Dynacare to open and operate the sites which will initially provide an additional 1,400 tests a day, with the ability to increase to 2,600.

The cities of Brandon and Winkler will host two of the sites with more popping up in Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie and Dauphin.

Officials say additional information will be available as sites open.

The chief provincial public health officer strongly encourages residents of and visitors to Winnipeg to focus on these fundamentals to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
• People must stay home if sick.
• Wash/sanitize your hands, cover your cough and physically distance when you are with people outside your household.
• If you cannot physically distance, you should wear a mask to help reduce your risk.
• Reduce the number of close contacts outside your household, and avoid closed-in or crowded spaces.

Unless recommended by public health officials, only individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should go for testing. Individuals with symptoms are asked to seek testing as soon as possible once symptoms are present. Employers are asked to only send employees for testing if they have symptoms or if testing has been recommended by public health officials.