WINNIPEG -- Manitoba health officials have confirmed the first death from COVID-19 in the province.
The death was announced at a news conference at the Manitoba Legislative Building Friday morning.
According to Dr. Brent Roussin, the province’s public health officer, the patient was in intensive care earlier this week. The province said patient-specific details aren’t being shared at this time.
In the province's announcement on Wednesday, it said a woman in her 60s who was diagnosed with COVID-19 was in intensive care. Roussin says "it's my understanding" it's the same person.
“This is not the time for dismay, we are not helpless,” said Roussin, emphasizing the importance of physical distancing and all other public health orders.
Roussin wouldn’t say whether the person who died had underlying medical conditions, but said that people who do are at higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19.
As of 9:30 a.m. on Friday, there are no other hospitalizations in the province for COVID-19.
Three new cases have also been announced, bringing the province’s total to 39. Public health investigations have begun to determine more details and to determine any possible exposures. Updates on these cases will be posted online.
Roussin noted that public health does thorough investigations and it reaches out to anyone who may be affected.
On Thursday alone, Cadham Provincial Laboratory performed 606 tests, bringing the provincial total to 6,203.
Health Links said they had a record day on Thursday, noting wait times are down and more technology is being added to get rid of the busy signal and add more lines.
A drive-thru testing site opened on Friday in Eriksdale at the Eriksdale Wellness Centre at 35 Railway Ave. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Monday to Friday.
Another drive-thru testing site opened in Portage la Prairie at the Stride Centre at 245 Royal Rd. It will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
On Monday, a community testing site is set to open in Pine Falls at École Powerview School at 33 Vincent St. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday to Friday.
The community testing site in The Pas has moved to the Royal Canadian Legion at 4 Veterans Way. It will be open from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This brings the provincial total to 15 community testing sites, including six drive-thrus. The province emphasized that these are not walk-ins and a referral is needed.
- With files from CTV’s Michelle Gerwing.
