**Due to the Louis Riel Day holiday, there will be no COVID-19 bulletin Monday, Feb. 21, but will resume Wednesday, Feb. 23. Weekday online data will continue.**
Manitoba continues to report on the recorded number of COVID-19 cases. However, it is important to note this data is limited and should be used with caution, it includes cases confirmed by a PCR test as well as rapid tests given by health-care professionals. Positive test results from rapid antigen tests, which people generally do at home, are not collected or reported as a result these numbers are an under-reporting of COVID-19 in the community.
Public health officials advise seven new deaths in people with COVID-19 are being reported today:
a male in his 90s from Winnipeg health region (reported Thursday);
a female in her 70s from the Winnipeg health region and linked to the outbreak at Kildonan personal care home (reported Thursday);
a male in his 80s from Prairie Mountain Health region and linked to the outbreak at Crocus Court personal care home (reported Thursday);
a male in his 90s from Prairie Mountain Health and linked to the outbreak at The Sherwood personal care home (reported Thursday);
a female in her 70s from Prairie Mountain Health (reported Thursday);
a female in her 60s from Southern Health Santé-Sud (reported Friday); and
a male in his 50s from Winnipeg health region (reported Friday).
In total, the province is reporting 343 new cases of COVID-19 today, bringing Manitoba's total active case count to 11,364. There are 583 total COVID-19 hospitalizations in Manitoba, 302 of which are active cases. As well, there are 33 COVID-related ICU patients in the province - 13 of which are active cases. The provincial test positivity rate is 18.5%.
Information about COVID-19 in Manitoba is updated weekdays at 12:30 p.m. on these DataMB dashboards:
Case data: https://geoportal.gov.mb.ca/apps/manitoba-covid-19/
COVID-19 vaccination coverage: https://geoportal.gov.mb.ca/apps/manitoba-covid-19-vaccinations-dashboard-1/
Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are now available for both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals at provincial testing sites. This provides members of the public with a self-testing option for use at a future point in time when they may become symptomatic. Individuals can receive up to two test kits per visit and test results do not need to be reported, but individuals are required to self-isolate and follow public health orders if they test positive.
Rapid antigen tests will continue to be used for the majority of people visiting a provincial testing site. Those who are at higher risk of severe illness as well as some groups who have tested positive on a rapid antigen test will still be eligible for PCR testing. Detailed information on updated COVID-19 testing eligibility can be found at: https://gov.mb.ca/covid19/testing/index.html.
Outbreaks
Outbreaks declared at:
Health Sciences Centre, GH4, Winnipeg;
Deer Lodge Centre, Lodge 2 East, Winnipeg
Cedarwood Supportive Housing, Steinbach;
Northern Spirit Manor, Thompson;
Flin Flon personal care home, Flin Flon; and
Swan River Valley personal care home, Swan River.
Outbreaks declared over at:
Actionmarguerite St. James, Winnipeg;
Kildonan personal care home, Winnipeg;
Victoria General Hospital, 4 north, Winnipeg;
Deer Lodge Centre, Lodge 5 west and Tower 7, Winnipeg
Seven Oaks General Hospital, 3U1-3 and 3U4-7, Winnipeg;
Oakview Place personal care home, Winnipeg;
Holy Family Home, Winnipeg;
Middlechurch Home, Winnipeg;
Milner Ridge Correctional Centre, Beausejour;
Fisher Branch personal care home; Fisher Branch; and
Souris Health Centre, Souris.
Vaccine
Health Canada has just approved the use of a new COVID-19 vaccine, called Novavax. Manitoba expects its first shipments from the federal government in mid-March. More details about how much will be shipped to the province and where it will be available will be provided as soon as possible.
Manitobans who have been infected with COVID-19 are now recommended to wait two to three months after the infection before getting a booster dose. This recommendation follows the latest guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization.
Manitobans are advised not to assume that recovery from an infection is sufficient for immunity. Those who prefer to get their booster dose sooner, or if their primary care provider recommends a booster sooner, can go ahead and schedule a booster dose appointment.
As of today, a total of 73,569 first doses have been given to children ages five to 11, or 58.8 per cent of that age group.
Eligible individuals can book their appointments online, by calling (toll-free) 1-844-626-8222 (1-844-MAN-VACC) or by contacting their local pharmacy or medical clinic directly. Visit www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/vaccine/finder.html for some of the available options.