The Manitoba government has announced there are a total of four lab confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the province.

Chief Provincial Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin says the three previously announced presumptive positive cases were confirmed and all appear to be travel related.

He adds they are up to testing 500 samples per day.

"I want to emphasize that testing for COVID-19 should only be taking place in symptomatic individuals, people who are showing signs of respiratory illness, fever, cough, and other similar symptoms," says Dr. Roussin. "There is no need for people who are not showing symptoms to be tested."

Around 1,200 tests in total had been done as of 11 a.m. today.

"We've seen increasing demand on our health-care institutions, as well as increased demand at the lab, and so, we are asking that only appropriate samples be sent," says Dr. Roussin. "Those are returning international travellers with symptoms of respiratory illness or certainly, people who have been in close contact with confirmed cases."

You are still asked to keep social distancing in mind. The province advised yesterday to suspend classes in Manitoba kindergarten to Grade 12 schools effective March 23 to April 10. The delay in the closure is to give parents and caregivers a chance to find child care. In the meantime, officials are asking schools and educational institutions to ensure ill staff and students to stay home from school and to support those who are self-isolating at home so they do not fall behind in their studies.

All health-care providers in the province are strongly advised to cancel or postpone all non-essential travel outside of Manitoba.

You can read more here: https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/coronavirus/