WINNIPEG -- Manitoba Health officials announced on Tuesday there are no new COVID-19 cases in the province, but the government is taking extra steps to prevent the spread of the virus.

Premier Brian Pallister announced that starting at the end of the day on March 20, all licensed childcare centres in Manitoba will be suspended, though home-based providers will be allowed to continue operating.

The province said it is working on creating dedicated child-care options for frontline and essential services workers.

Dr. Brent Roussin, the chief provincial public health officer, said they are not aware of any virus cases in school or daycares in Manitoba.

"This has allowed us to provide some window of opportunity for preparedness and planning for families, employers and organizations to implement these suspensions," said Roussin.

PROVINCE RECOMMENDS VISITOR SUSPENSION IN LONG-TERM CARE

Roussin added the province is strongly recommending the suspension of all visitors in long-term care facilities, but he did say there could be exceptions for "compassionate reasons".

"We know the individuals in long-term care facilities, including those over the age of 65, are some of the most vulnerable people in our communities at risk of severe outcomes with COVID-19."

EVENTS WITH 50 PEOPLE OR MORE SHOULD BE CANCELLED

Roussin is also recommending that starting Tuesday, all events with 50 people or more should be cancelled to keep up with social distancing procedures.

He is also encouraging people to not go out for St. Patrick's Day festivities. He said Manitobans will get back to these celebratory events eventually, but not at this moment in time.

"All Manitobans have a role to play in this. At the individual, at the employer, at the educational level. We should all understand our roles and look at ways to implement these in our day-to-day activities."

MANITOBA CASINOS TO CLOSE

Manitoba's Premier also announced all casinos will be shut down after midnight on Tuesday.

This comes after a number of casinos in Manitoba announced extra steps they would be taking to stop the spread of COVID-19, including shutting down table games and closing some slot machines and electronic games.

READ MORE: Changes coming to Manitoba casinos amid pandemic

There are six casinos in the province. Despite these changes, Pallister said they are all required to close their doors.

Pallister said if Manitobans work together, we will get through this.