News briefs for September 13, 2020

Public health officials are warning of two more possible COVID-19 exposures at Winnipeg schools.

On Sunday afternoon, the province announced a possible exposure occurred at Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute at 720 Alverstone St. on Wednesday, Sept. 9 in the morning and Thursday, Sept. 10 in the afternoon.

Officials say a second possible exposure occurred at John Pritchard School at 1490 Henderson Hwy. on Sept. 8, Sept. 9 and Sept. 10 in both the morning and afternoon each day.

In both cases, public health officials say the individual attended the school while asymptomatic and that the infection was not acquired at the school.

Schools and cohorts are being notified, the province said in its release. Additional cleaning of high-touch areas is being undertaken, the release added.

The risk is deemed low as physical distancing was maintained while the individuals were at school and masks were worn. There are no close contacts connected to the cases and public health officials have not advised anyone to self-isolate. Others who were at the sites do not need to self-isolate, but should self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19.

Eighteen new cases of COVID-19 in Manitoba were announced Sunday, bringing the total number of lab-confirmed cases in the province to 1,428.

Eleven of cases are in the Winnipeg health region. Three cases are in Southern Health. Two cases are in the Interlake-Eastern region. One case was reported in the Northern health region and in Prairie Mountain Health.

There are now 1,173 individuals who have recovered from COVID-19. Active cases total 239.

Fifteen people are in hospital and three are in intensive care.

Sixteen Manitobans have died as a result of the virus.

A total of 1,525 tests were completed on Saturday, bringing the total number of lab tests completed since early February to 154,756.

Aline Chrétien, wife and adviser to former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, has died at age 84.

Along with taking on several advocacy positions, including serving as honorary chair of the Royal Conservatory of Music’s national advisory council, she also remained close to her husband’s political work and frequently provided influential advice.

In a statement, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said "We owe a great debt to Aline, who faithfully served Quebecers and all Canadians, championed multiculturalism and bilingualism, and helped bring us closer together."