Manitoba’s 150th birthday celebrations postponed due to coronavirus

This story will be updated when the press conference begins and throughout the conference as it runs.

Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister says the province’s 150th birthday party this summer is postponed.

Pallister addressed media alongside Manitoba 150 co-chair Monique LaCoste Wednesday morning.

The celebrations will be rescheduled.

The Unite 150 Concert featuring a full slate of Manitoba artists, originally planned for June 27 at the Manitoba Legislative Building, will be rescheduled in 2021.

“We’re going to party like it’s 2020, in 2021,” said Pallister.

LaCoste said the legacy construction projects will be affected but said it’s too early to say in what way.

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As of Tuesday morning, Manitoba had 217 cases in the province. Twelve Manitobans were in hospital, with six in intensive care, and 21 have recovered from the virus.

On Tuesday, it was announced a third person had died.

The province will update the numbers at 1 p.m. Wednesday.

Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:

Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. Some provinces and territories have also implemented additional recommendations or enforcement measures to ensure those returning to the area self-isolate.

Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.

To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.

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