UPDATE: Two additional presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Manitoba, bringing the total number of lab-confirmed positive and presumptive positive cases in Manitoba to 17.

Case 16 is a woman in her 50s who lives in Winnipeg. Case 17 is a man in his 70s who lives in Winnipeg.

Public health investigations have begun and at this time, it appears that both cases are travel related.

Chief Provincial Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin is stressing the cancellation of all international travel.

"We can see the vast majority of cases in Canada are travel-related, we see rapid developments in other areas of the world, and more and more travel restrictions getting put in place all the time. Now is not the time to travel outside of Canada," said Dr. Roussin.

All returning international travellers are reminded again to self-isolate for fourteen days upon returning to Canada, to monitor for symptoms and call Health Links-Info Sante if any do develop. This includes health care workers returning from international travel.

Additionally, Dr. Roussin says social distancing remains one of the most important strategies to limiting the spread of the virus in our communities.

"This is not the time to be going out to crowded bars or restaurants," cautioned the doctor, noting the warning also applies to faith-based gatherings and inviting people over to your home for activities like children's play dates.

Dr. Roussin says reducing contact with others and staying home when we can is essential to reducing the odds of high-risk persons from developing severe complications as a result of COVID-19.

"Now is the time for action. If you haven't changed aspects of how you live your day-to-day life, you're not thinking about the role you can play to protect yourself, the people around you and our province at-large," he explained. "We will be able to get back to our normal day-to-day living, but right now we need Manitobans to focus on what they can do to limit the spread of this virus in our communities."

He stresses however, social distancing doesn't mean isolation, and he encourages Manitobans to reach out to their neighbours and to the vulnerable to ensure no one is left feeling lonely.

Manitobans are encouraged to rely and act on factual, credible information during this time and Dr. Roussin says that can be found on the Manitoba Government's COVID-19 web page.