WINNIPEG – The number of Covid-19 cases in Manitoba remains at 17 at this time.

Surgery programs across Manitoba will begin suspending elective (non-urgent) surgical procedures starting Monday, March 23. This will help ensure staff, beds, equipment and supplies remain available and flexible for COVID-19 response.

Hospitals across the province will continue with scheduled surgeries for cancer, trauma and other surgeries that cannot be delayed. Time-sensitive orthopedic, obstetrical, gynecology and ophthalmology surgeries will also continue.a Surgery slates will be examined to ensure proper patient care continues and any affected patients will be contacted about changes to their care.

Prescription renewals will now be limited to a 30-day supply. In times where supplies of some medication may be limited, this strategy is designed to ensure people do not stockpile medicine and all patients have access to their medication.

For the next four weeks, CancerCare Manitoba will consolidate two cancer clinics to offer services out of one location. Cancer clinic services currently offered at Seven Oaks General Hospital will now be delivered out of the Victoria General Hospital Cancer Clinic and affected patients will be contacted by their clinical team. Visits that can be completed virtually or by phone will continue to be managed in that way and patients requiring treatment will be seen at CancerCare Manitoba’s various cancer clinics.

As demand increases, additional resources continue to be added to Health Links–Info Santé. More phone lines have been added and additional staff have been deployed to assist with the higher call volume. Work is nearly complete and an interactive voice recording (IVR) will launch soon to prescreen callers before they speak to a clinician.