Health officials are urging residents to return to the fundamentals after 40 new cases of the COVID-19 virus were identified as of 9:30 a.m. today, bringing the number of cases in Manitoba to 1,540.

The data shows:

-four cases in the Prairie Mountain Health region;
-four cases in Interlake–Eastern region;
-three cases in the Southern Health–Santé Sud; and
-29 cases in the Winnipeg health region.

 The data also shows:

-325 active cases and 1,199 individuals have recovered from COVID-19;
-there are 11 people in hospital and three people in intensive care; and
-the number of deaths due to COVID-19 is 16.

Case investigations continue and if a public health risk is identified, the public will be notified. Preliminary laboratory testing numbers show 1,358 on Thursday, bringing the total number of lab tests completed since early February to 161,473.

Officials say there has been a concerning increase in the number of cases in Winnipeg. Recent success in Prairie Mountain Health shows that focusing on the fundamentals can reduce the transmission of COVID-19. The chief provincial public health officer strongly encourages residents and visitors to Winnipeg focus on the fundamentals to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

As the weekend begins, it is imperative to stay home if you are sick, wash/sanitize your hands, cover your cough and physically distance when you are with people outside your household. If you cannot physically distance, wear a mask. Be sure to avoid closed-in or crowded spaces, and close contact with those outside your household.

Starting today, Donwood Group Elderly Persons Housing will be lowered to the COVID-19 Caution (Yellow) level according to the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System. This is in response to an improved situation at the facility. Visitor restrictions have been removed.

The public is reminded that wearing a non-medical mask is mandatory when entering Prairie Mountain Health region health-care facilities. Public health officials continue to monitor all the regions with increased cases closely to determine if additional restrictions are necessary.

Unless recommended by Public Health, 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.

The online assessment tool can be found at https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/screening-tool/ and COVID-19 symptoms can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/updates/about.html#collapse4

For up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/COVID19