335 new COVID-19 cases, 1 death reported in Manitoba

Manitoba announced 335 new COVID-19 cases and one additional death on Tuesday.

The death isa man in his 70s from the Winnipeg health region, linked to the B117 coronavirus variant of concern, the province said in a news release.

The total number of Manitobans who have died of COVID-19 is now 1,012.

The latest cases include241 in theWinnipeg health region. TheSouthern Healthregion has the next highest amount with 29, followed by 26 in theInterlakeEastern health region and 25 in theNorthern Health Region.

PrairieMountain Health region has the fewest new cases Tuesday,with 14.

Although the number of new cases is a drop from the 430 reported on Monday, other statistical markers have increased.

The current five-day test positivity rate is 13 per cent provincially (up from 12.7 on Monday) and 14.4 per cent in Winnipeg (up from 14.3).

There are also 278 people inhospitaldue to COVID-19, a jump from 264 one day earlier.

However, the number of people in intensive care has dipped to 70 from 73.

The provincial data dashboard also reports 833 more cases have been identified as stemming from coronavirusvariants of concern, since its last update on Saturday.

The total number of cases involving variants is now 6,970, of which 2,530 are considered active.

There have been four additional deaths linked to variants since Saturday. The total number of deaths in Manitoba related tovariant strains of concernis now 36.

Variants have become the dominant coronavirus strains in the province in the past month.

A government report covering the May 2-8 period found the more contagious variants accounted for 74 per cent of the new cases that week.

The provincealso announced Tuesday that an outbreak atLakeshore General Hospital in Ashernhas now been declared over.

As well, a new Fast Pass COVID-19 testsite opens in Brandon on Wednesdayfor eligible school staff and those working in licensed child-care centres.

The site, with acapacity for up to 40 people daily,will be located alongside the existing Brandon Keystone Centre vaccination supersite. Appointments are required and can be booked by calling (toll-free) 1-888-986-8152.

Clients will be asked if they meet eligibility criteria and to present proof of eligibility, such as a work identification card or employer letter, when they arrive for their appointment.