Manitoba's deputy chief public officer says a new therapy is not a replacement for the COVID-19 vaccine but could help unvaccinated Manitobans who contract COVID-19 stay out of the hospital.

An outpatient monoclonal antibody treatment will be offered to people who contract COVID-19 and are not vaccinated if the virus is caught early enough.

"While not a substitute for vaccination monoclonal antibody treatment can help reduce the risk of hospitalization from COVID-19," Dr. Jazz Atwal says in a Wednesday press conference.

This immune-boosting treatment is for people who have not contracted COVID-19 before, and are not fully vaccinated and are 40-years-old or older. Manitobans who are 18-years-old or older with health conditions or are immune-compromised could also qualify for the therapy, regardless of vaccination status or a previous COVID-19 infection.

"It is the first treatment to be offered to outpatients in Manitoba and as administered by intravenous infusion or through a vein within seven days of symptom onset early. Testing is important as the treatment is only effective in the early phase of the infection

As of Wednesday, there are 137 people in the hospital and 24 people in intensive care. Fifteen people with active cases in intensive care are not vaccinated, and 46 people with active cases in the hospital are not vaccinated. 

Hospitalizations are expected to rise

The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority says Health Links-Info Santé is experiencing higher call volumes; more than 4,00 a day.

"That means, depending on the time of day, wait times will most likely be quite long over the holiday season," they tweet. "We’re sorry you’re having to wait and are doing everything in our power to hire more staff. We appreciate your patience and kindness."