Manitoba Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin released the latest numbers Monday afternoon. He reports one additional case bringing the total number of cases to 204, 11 individuals are currently hospitalized with seven in intensive care, 17 individuals have recovered and the total number of deaths remains at two.

Dr Roussin said there now appears to be a reason to wear a mask.  He explains the use of non-medical masks in public is an additional way to protect those around you by reducing the chances of droplet transmission.  He notes it should be clear that wearing these masks is very unlikely to protect the individual wearing the mask, it’s more to protect the people around them but the major message is that now is the time to stay home, social distancing at all times and when that may not be possible wearing a non-medical mask may be of benefit to protect others around that individual.

Roussin adds as COVID-19 is spreading person to person they are prepared to see some increased numbers.