Number of COVID-19 cases steady in Manitoba

Posted: 2:43 PM CDT Sunday, Apr. 19, 2020

The province reported Sunday there has been no change in the number of COVID-19 cases in Manitoba, as doctors urged patients to continue to seek care for non-virus-related issues.

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The province reported Sunday there has been no change in the number of COVID-19 cases in Manitoba, as doctors urged patients to continue to seek care for non-virus-related issues.

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This article was published 18/04/2020 (1713 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The province reported Sunday there has been no change in the number of COVID-19 cases in Manitoba, as doctors urged patients to continue to seek care for non-virus-related issues.

The number of COVID-19 cases remains at 253, which was unchanged from Saturday.

Eight people are in hospital, including five in intensive care. There are 105 active cases and 143 people have recovered from the virus. Five people have died.

Doctors Manitoba president Dr. Fourie Smith says his organization is hearing from an increasing number of doctors who do not have the necessary protective equipment. (Taylor Allen / Winnipeg Free Press files)

The province said 570 tests had been performed at Cadham Provincial Lab on Saturday, raising the numer of tests conducted since early February to 19,752.

Testing criteria has been expanded to include symptomatic workers or volunteers at workplaces that have been identified as essential services; and anyone who is symptomatic who lives with a health care worker, first responder or workers in a congregate setting, such as a jail, shelter or long term care facility.

Doctors concerned

Manitoba doctors say they’re concerned about a drop in the number of patients who seek help for other ailments, and they fear people are putting their health on hold during the pandemic.

“A lot of people think because of COVID-19, doctors are too busy to help with other medical concerns,” said Dr. Fourie Smith, a Winnipeg family physician and president of Doctors Manitoba.

“That’s not the case. Doctors are not only available, they’re ready to help, in new ways. Just call your doctor’s office first to see how they can best help you.”

Doctors Manitoba recently surveyed more than 700 physicians and almost all of them reported a “concerning drop” in the number of people who are staying home and fail to consult a doctor about other medical problems.

The group says it’s important for doctors to monitor chronic diseases and address new health concerns.

Many physicians use phone or video appointments. If an in-person visit is needed, clinics are screening patients, regularly disinfecting common spaces and adhering to physical distancing measures.

“Your doctor can help you decide if you should seek care now, or wait,” Smith said.

Manitoba measures

The Manitoba government declared a provincewide state of emergency on March 20.

The province has limited public gatherings to no more than 10 people.

That includes any indoor or outdoor spot, places of worship or family events such as weddings and funerals.

No visitors are allowed in long-term care facilities and hospitals, though exceptions may be made in hospitals for compassionate reasons.

Public events marking the province’s 150th birthday have been postponed and the long running Dauphin Countryfest is cancelled this year.

The province is instituting fines for people who don’t follow public safety orders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Non-essential travel to the province’s north and to remote communities is being restricted to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

There are some exceptions, including for people who travel for medical care or work, people who share child custody, and people who deliver goods and services.

Non-essential businesses have been ordered to close. Salons, spas, bars and other establishments were closed as of April 1. Restaurants can remain open for takeout or delivery only.

The closures do not affect health-care facilities, government services and other institutions.

Bingo and gaming venues as well as wellness centres and gyms are closed.

The province is letting people hurt by the COVID-19 economic fallout avoid penalties and interest on some utility payments and property taxes. There’s also a freeze on all rent increases until at least May 31.