With the daily numbers of new positive tests for COVID-19 in Manitoba remaining low, chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin said April 13 that physical and social distancing recommendations appear to be having the desired effect.
“Our efforts are having some benefit,” he said.
Despite that, the public health order restricting non-critical businesses from operating, due to expire April 14, was extended to April 28.
“Extending these measures will help us to flatten the curve,” Roussin said. “These numbers certainly are remaining low but that would change if we loosen up on our strategies at this point. We have to double our efforts right now knowing that these types of restrictions are not going to be in place forever.”
Four more people tested positive for COVID-19 April 12, Roussin said, out of only 32 tests completed due to decreased demand over the Easter/Passover holiday weekend.
The total number of positive tests for the novel coronavirus is now at 246 (the first positive test in the province was March 12). Of those, 187 are in Winnipeg and only three are in the Northern Regional Health Authority area.
Ninety-nine people have recovered from their infections, meaning 14 days have passed since the onset of their symptoms and they no longer have any symptoms.
Four people have died from their infections.
As of April 13, eight people were hospitalized due to COVID-19 infections and four of those were in intensive care.
Roussin continued to stress the importance of staying home as much as possible, not matter where in Manitoba you are.
“This virus is in every health region in the province,” he said. “There’s no area in the province where you should feel safe from this virus.”
Maintaining social and physical distancing efforts now may enable them to be loosened within a number of weeks, Roussin said.
“It’ll be a very gradual rollback of the restrictions” when it occurs, said Roussin, with restrictions on business operation likely to be eased back first.
