Only one new case of COVID-19 was announced in Manitoba May 8, part of a trend toward fewer cases province-wide.
Provincial chief public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin announced only one new case during the government's May 8 briefing. The new case is related to what officials have called a "cluster" of eight cases linked to a trucking company in Brandon.
Manitoba has processed more than 29,000 tests since the outbreak began. The province is tracking 30 active cases of COVID-19. Four people have recovered from the disease since the May 7 update.
Roussin said Manitoba鈥檚 positive test rate, the key statistic officials are tracking, was well below one per cent.
鈥淭hese numbers are a result of Manitobans鈥� hard work, their patience,鈥� he said.
鈥淭hese numbers didn鈥檛 have to be this way and they don鈥檛 have to stay this way. If we don鈥檛 maintain our focus, we could see a surge, like in other jurisdictions.鈥�
It鈥檚 been four days since Manitoba began the opening process after a heavy lockdown. Most restrictions are still in place, including restrictions on travel to northern Manitoba.
鈥淲e鈥檙e not done with this virus, we鈥檙e not back to normal,鈥� Roussin said.
鈥淧lease limit those group sizes, limit close, prolonged contact. Certainly no one showing any symptoms - even mild symptoms of respiratory illness - should be attending any type of gathering.鈥�
Another measure will be lifted soon. Earlier in the day, provincial health minister Cameron Friesen announced the 30 day prescription restriction will be no more, starting May 11.
鈥淲e see more stability in global production, we see more stability in global distribution, we see supply chains not disrupted as much as previously thought,鈥� he said.
鈥淲e even see domestically that when it comes to distribution there seems to be more confidence.鈥�
Masks are becoming a common sight inside newly opened stores across the province. Roussin said mask use is a good idea, if used properly, and when other measures can鈥檛 be incorporated.
鈥淸Masks] are not a substitute for staying home when you鈥檙e ill, they鈥檙e not a substitute for washing your hands, not a substitute for trying to maintain physical distancing,鈥� he said.
鈥淚n addition to those things, they can be an added benefit.鈥�
Roussin said 11 per cent of cases in Manitoba would be classified as community transmitted. The last COVID-19 case to not be linked to another case or out-of province travel was detected on April 27.
All symptomatic Manitobans are eligible to be tested. Any symptomatic Manitoban is encouraged to self-isolate and call Health Links - Info Sant茅 (204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257) to see if they should be tested.
