COVID-19 testing has begun in the City of Steinbach.

Earlier today, the province announced that a drive-thru testing site located at the Community Health Services Building on 365 Reimer Avenue would be officially opened on Friday and be operational from 9 AM to 3 PM seven days a week. While some preliminary testing at the facility is already underway, public access will not begin until 9 AM on Friday.

Steinbach residents are reminded that testing is to be done on a referral basis only. Walk-ins will not be accepted.

Additionally, 27 more ventilators which are crucial to critically ill patients have arrived in the province and will be distributed to health care providers. This brings Manitoba’s overall supply to 266.

Meanwhile, agencies that offer day programs for adults with intellectual disabilities are being asked to limit their services as part of the provincial effort to implement social distancing. In a short manner of time, day services will only be offered to individuals who either live with a family member who could lose their job if day services are not provided, are supported by home share providers who cannot provide care during daytime hours and where other arrangements are not possible, or cannot be safely supported in their residence during daytime hours.