There are 32 new cases of COVID-19 identified in Manitoba as of 9:30 a.m. Friday morning, according to Public Health officials. This brings Manitoba's total case number to 1,096.

The latest data shows one new case in the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority; 18 new cases in the Prairie Mountain Health region; six new cases in Southern Health-Santé Sud; and seven cases in the Winnipeg health region.

Public Health says preliminary information indicates 14 of Friday's cases are close contacts of previously-announced cases. Investigations are on-going.

The current five-day COVID-19 test positivity rate is 2.3 per cent.

An additional 1,252 lab tests were completed on Thursday, bringing the total number of tests completed in Manitoba since early February to 132,085.

Current data from Public Health indicates 5 people remain in hospital due to COVID-19, with one in intensive care. Officials are monitoring 418 active cases in the province, while 664 people have recovered from the novel Coroavirus. The number of COVID-19 related deaths remains at 14.

Manitobans are strongly encouraged to return to the fundamentals to help stop the spread of COVID-19. This means not going out while you feel ill, practicing proper hand hygiene, covering your cough and physical distancing when you are with people outside your household. If you can't physical distance, wear a mask.

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.