The current five-day COVID-19 test positivity rate is 13.2 per cent provincially and 12 per cent in Winnipeg. As of 9:30am on December 19, 2020, 238 new cases of the virus have been identified, which brings the total number of lab-confirmed cases in Manitoba to 22,630.

Public health officials advise nine additional deaths in people with COVID-19 have been reported today, including:

  • a female in her 70s from the Interlake-Eastern health region;
  • a female in her 60s from the Northern health region;
  • a female in her 70s from the Southern Health-Santé Sud region, linked to an outbreak at Morris General Hospital;
  • a female in her 50s from the Winnipeg health region;
  • a female in her 70s from the Winnipeg health region linked to an outbreak at Fred Douglas Lodge;
  • a female in her 80s from the Winnipeg health region;
  • a female in her 80s from the Winnipeg health region linked to an outbreak at Fred Douglas Lodge;
  • a male in his 80s from the Winnipeg health region; and
  • a female in her 90s from the Winnipeg health region linked to an outbreak at Park Manor Care.

Today’s COVID-19 data shows:

  • 33 cases in the Interlake-Eastern health region;
  • 55 cases in the Northern health region;
  • 16 cases in the Prairie Mountain Health region;
  • 30 cases in the Southern Health-Santé Sud health region; and
  • 104 cases in the Winnipeg health region.

The data also shows:

  • 5,668 active cases and 16,406 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19;
  • there are 298 people in hospital, with 44 people in intensive care due to COVID-19; and
  • the total number of deaths due to COVID-19 is 556.

Laboratory testing numbers show 2,502 tests were completed yesterday, bringing the total number of lab tests completed since early February to 401,475. Case investigations continue and if a public health risk is identified, the public will be notified.

A new drive-thru testing site, located at 323 Sunset Blvd. in Arborg, opens on Monday. To view hours of operation, visit gov.mb.ca.

Outbreaks have been declared at Seven Oaks General Hospital units 4U4-7 and 4U8-12, Health Sciences Centre unit GH4, and Deer Lodge Centre on Lodge 4 West in Winnipeg, as well as at Lions Prairie Manor in Portage la Prairie and Northern Spirit Manor in Thompson.

In addition, an outbreak has been declared at the Beausejour Hospital in Beausejour. Due to this outbreak, the emergency department is closed until further notice. The region advises residents to always call 911 for emergency care.

These sites have been moved to Critical (red) on the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System.

Possible exposure locations are listed online by region at the province’s #RestartMB Pandemic Response System webpage. For up-to-date information on possible public exposures to COVID-19 in regions, visit gov.mb.ca and click on your region.

Public health officials advise that those who have been tested for COVID-19 and provided their cell phone number may receive a text telling them their test results are available online. The results will not be included in the text.  The system will begin at sites in Winnipeg, and will expand to other areas of the province in the coming weeks. For more information on COVID-19 test results, visit sharedhealthmb.ca.

The chief provincial public health officer urges Manitobans to only leave their homes for essential purposes. When leaving the house to obtain essentials, be sure to physically distance, wear a mask in indoor public places and avoid crowded spaces. Do not leave the home if you are sick, or when any member of your family is sick. Further, do not socialize with anyone from outside your household.

Additional data related to outbreaks at correctional and health care facilities and personal care homes is now available online. Downloadable and historic data is also available for some information. The data can be found at manitoba.ca. Updated enforcement statistics are posted online weekly. For more information, go to Cross-Departmental Reports at manitoba.ca.

Public health officials are also advising that anyone who is symptomatic, or has a household member who is symptomatic, the entire household needs to self-isolate pending COVID-19 test results. For health-care workers, exceptions may apply and staff may be able/required to report to work after contacting your workplace occupational health services or designate. For information on self-isolation, including exceptions, visit gov.mb.ca.

The online assessment tool can be found at sharedhealthmb.ca and COVID-19 symptoms can be found at manitoba.ca.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit manitoba.ca. For up-to-date information on the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System, visit: manitoba.ca.