Public health has identified 49 new cases of COVID-19 and two additional deaths Thursday in Southern Health - Sante Sud.

Provincewide, 13 addtional deaths and 293 new cases of the virus were identified in the daily briefing. However, one case was removed due to a data correction bringing the new total to 292. The total number of lab-confirmed cases in Manitoba is 19,947.

The latest public health data shows the additional deaths include:
• a male in his 70s from the Interlake–Eastern health region;
• a female in her 70s from the Southern Health–Santé Sud health region, linked to the outbreak at Villa Youville personal care home;
• a male in his 70s from the Southern Health–Santé Sud health region;
• a male in his 70s from the Winnipeg health region;
• a female in her 80s from the Winnipeg health region, linked to the outbreak at Charleswood Care Centre;
• a female in her 80s from the Winnipeg health region, linked to the outbreak at Charleswood Care Centre;
• a male in his 80s from the Winnipeg health region, linked to the outbreak at Charleswood Care Centre;
• a male in his 80s from the Winnipeg health region, linked to the outbreak at Charleswood Care Centre;
• a female in her 80s from the Winnipeg health region, linked to the outbreak at Park Manor Care Home;
• a male in his 80s from the Winnipeg health region, linked to the outbreak at Park Manor Care Home;
• a male in his 80s from the Winnipeg health region;
• a female in her 90s from the Winnipeg health region, linked to the outbreak at Charleswood Care Centre; and
• a male in his 90s from the Winnipeg health region, linked to the outbreak at Charleswood Care Centre.

As for new daily reported cases, statistics show:
• 39 cases in the Interlake–Eastern health region;
• 41 cases in the Northern health region;
• 12 cases in the Prairie Mountain Health region;
• 49 cases in the Southern Health–Santé Sud health region; and
• 152 cases in the Winnipeg health region.

The current five-day COVID-19 test positivity rate is 13.3 per cent provincially and 13.9 per cent in Winnipeg.

Public health officials advise a COVID-19 outbreak has been declared at the Rehabilitation and Surgery unit at Boundary Trails Health Centre. The site has been moved to Critical (red) on the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System.

It's important to note, as per the public health definition, when a single case of COVID-19 is identified at a personal care home or health care facility (whether it be resident, patient, staff or visitor) the site is moved to Critical (Red), and listed as having an Outbreak.

Possible exposure locations are listed online by region at the province’s #RestartMB Pandemic Response System webpage. For up-to-date information on possible public exposures to COVID-19 in regions, visit www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/updates/flights.html#event and click on your region.

Overall, the province says there are 5,380 active cases of COVID-19 in Manitoba and 14,116 individuals who have recovered. As well, 298 people are in hospital with 43 people in intensive care due to COVID-19. The total number of related deaths is 451.

Laboratory testing numbers show 2,558 tests were completed yesterday, bringing the total number of lab tests completed since early February to 380,664. Case investigations continue and if a public health risk is identified, the public will be notified.

The chief provincial public health officer urges Manitobans to only leave their homes for essential purposes. When leaving the house to obtain essentials, be sure to physically distance, wear a mask in indoor public places and avoid crowded spaces. Do not leave the home if you are sick, or when any member of your family is sick. Further, do not socialize with anyone from outside your household.

Public health officials are also advising that anyone who is symptomatic, or has a household member who is symptomatic, the entire household needs to self-isolate pending COVID-19 test results. For health-care workers, exceptions may apply and staff may be able/required to report to work. Contact your workplace Occupational Health Services or designate. For information on self-isolation, including exceptions, visit www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/fundamentals/self-isolation.html.

The online assessment tool can be found at https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/screening-tool/ and COVID-19 symptoms can be found at https://manitoba.ca/covid19/fundamentals/symptoms.html.

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

For up-to-date information on the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System, visit: https://manitoba.ca/covid19/restartmb/prs/index.html.