Manitoba public health reported 176 new cases of COVID-19 this afternoon bringing the five day test positivity rate to 5.5 percent.  They also reported three additional deaths with two in the Winnipeg region and a man in his 20s in Northern health.  Of the new cases 84 are in Northern health and 77 in Winnipeg with single digits in other regions.  They announced 37 new cases of variants of concern with 31 in the Winnipeg region, three from Prairie Mountain, two in Interlake Eastern and one in Southern health bringing total cases to 376.

Medical Lead for the Manitoba Vaccine Implementation Task Force Dr. Joss Reimer says guidance has been updated for those eligible for the AstraZeneca/Covishield vaccine available at Pharmacies. She explained this vaccine is for people aged 55 to 64 who have a serious health or medical condition that puts them at higher risk for severe outcomes related to COVID-19.  She adds the vaccine can also be used for people who are 65 and older and they’ve asked the providers to prioritize those who may face challenges or barriers to going to a Super site or pop-up clinic.

Of the total 34,969 reported cases 1180 are considered active and 32,840 individuals have recovered.