The province is announcing a plan for COVID-19 after the "first presumptive positive case" in Manitoba

Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living is asking people to follow several steps in preventing the spread of the illness.

The province is asking people to implement social distancing strategies, schools to refrain from large public gatherings, and several other precautions.

Health officials from the province are asking for Manitobans to avoid close contact with others in public for more than 10 minutes, avoid shaking hands, and to avoid travel both outside the province and within the province.

They are also asking Manitobans to disinfect "frequently touched objects" and practice basic hygiene practices such as handwashing.

International Exposure

The province asks travellers returning from Italy, Iran and the province of Hubei to self-isolate for 14 days. 

COVID-19 Testing

The province is setting up community locations in Winnipeg that patients can go to if they believe they have contracted COVID-19.

This can be done at Access Winnipeg West at 280 Booth Drive and Access Fort Garry at 135 Plaza Drive. Screening will take place from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, and 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on weekends.

Employers

Employers are being asked to assure employees can work from home when possible, and stay home when ill "without facing barriers such as the requirement for sick notes." Employers are being asked to hold virtual meetings when possible and to avoid travelling outside of Manitoba.

Schools

Schools are being asked to reduce "large-crowded gatherings" and to rearrange classroom desks to increase distances between students. They are also being asked to consider teaching online instead of in classrooms. If a student becomes ill, the province's health officials ask that the schools work to assure students do not get behind in their studies.

More Information

Winnipeggers who are concerned about their own exposure to COVID-19 are being asked to reach out to Health Links–Info Sante for more information at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257.

Those seeking more information on preparedness can visit the Government of Canada's COVID-19 website page.