Two COVID-19 related deaths were announced Thursday, a woman in her 80's and a woman in her 90's, both from the Southern Health region. Both cases are from Steinbach and were connected to an outbreak at Bethesda Place. The number of deaths in Manitoba is now 16.

In total, 20 new cases were identified Thursday, six in the Prairie Mountain Health region, one in the Interlake-Eastern health region, 13 in Winnipeg.

There are currently 457 active cases, and 791 people have recovered. There are 12 people in hospital, one in intensive care.

 Preliminary investigations indicate that almost half of today’s Winnipeg regional cases are close contacts to known cases. Investigations continue and if a public health risk is identified, the public will be notified.

Confirmed laboratory testing numbers show an additional 1,339 tests were completed on Wednesday, bringing the total number of lab tests completed since early February to 140,982.

Public health advises of a potential public exposure to COVID-19 may have occurred Aug. 19 to 21 at the ABC Taxi Cabs and Limousine Service at 144 12th St. in Brandon. Times of exposures are listed online and can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/updates/flights.html#event

With the increased number of cases in southern Manitoba, public health is re-implementing travel restrictions to northern Manitoba and remote communities, effective tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 4. In addition to the orders, all travellers are asked to respect any restrictions that First Nation communities have in place, as these communities are working with the advice of public health officials to ensure the health and safety of their residents. There are exceptions for travelling directly to a campground or lodge. If you are travelling to the north, you are required to limit any stops to just the necessities outside of your camping or lodge destination. Details of the orders will be posted shortly.

Ahead of the long weekend, 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, practising proper hand hygiene, covering your cough and physical distancing when you are with people outside your household. If you cannot physically distance, wear a mask. If you are travelling, remember to be ‘COVID-Careful’ by gassing up at home and ensuring all supplies are packed with you, so extra stops do not need to made along the way.

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. 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