UPDATE: Public health officials later reported an additional two deaths due to COVID-19; a male in his 60s and a male in his 80s, both from the Winnipeg health region. This brings the total number of deaths to 69. 

The number of hospitalizations was also reported later in the day, with 107 people in hospital and 20 in intensive care.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Public health officials advise another 349 cases of COVID-19 have been identified today, bringing the provincial total to 5,723.

Of the 349 new cases, one was identified Tuesday, three were identified Wednesday, 131 were identified Thursday and 214 were identified on Friday.

Today’s data shows:
• 33 cases in the Interlake–Eastern health region;
• 35 cases in the Northern health region;
• 16 cases in the Prairie Mountain Health region;
• 34 cases in the Southern Health–Santé Sud health region; and
• 231 cases in the Winnipeg health region.

While the province-wide five-day COVID-19 test positivity rate is 8.7 per cent, the test positivity rate in Winnipeg is 9.9 per cent. Officials advise this number is less reliable due to the smaller sample size. In addition, it does not reflect the situation in other parts of the province, as cases continue to be identified outside Winnipeg.

Public health officials also advise two additional deaths due to COVID-19 have been reported from the Winnipeg health region, a female in her 90s linked to an outbreak at Maples Personal Care Home and a female in her 50s. This brings the total number of deaths due to the virus to 67.

There are currently 3,010 active cases and 2,646 individuals recovered from COVID-19. Due to processing issues, the data for hospitalizations is currently unavailable.

Laboratory testing numbers show 2,320 tests were completed yesterday, bringing the total number of lab tests completed since early February to 255,942. Case investigations continue and if a public health risk is identified, the public will be notified.

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 www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/updates/flights.html#event and click on your region.

The entire province, with the exception of the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region, will additionally be moving to the Restricted (orange) level on the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System, effective Monday, November 2. Winnipeg, meanwhile, will move to the Critical (red) level.

This will bring a number of changes and new restrictions to the province, and a story will follow this evening as to how that will impact the Portage la Prairie School Division.