Health data shows the number of Manitobans hospitalized with COVID-19 fell last week while deaths linked to the virus rose.

The latest numbers came Thursday in the province’s weekly epidemiology update for May 8-14, a week that saw 728 new cases reported in Manitoba.

With an average of 766 lab tests for COVID-19 performed daily during the week covered by the report, the lab test positivity rate was 18.5 percent, up from 17.6 percent the previous week.

However, provincial case numbers no longer necessarily give an accurate picture of active infection rates as the government has significantly scaled back testing and does not take into account the results of home testing.

1:28
Businesses recover from pandemic restrictions

According to health officials, 149 people were hospitalized due to COVID-19, including 16 who required intensive care.

That’s fewer than the 196 new COVID-19 patients, including 13 who required critical care the week before.

The province’s weekly updates do not give the total number of people currently in the hospital or intensive care unit due to COVID-19, only how many new admissions occurred in the previous week.

Sixteen new COVID-19 deaths were reported between May 8 and May 14, according to the province, up from 11 announced the previous week.

0:31
Manitoba reports 185 new COVID-19 hospitalizations, 14 more deaths

But the total number of COVID-19 deaths recorded in the province since March 2020 rose to 1,913 in the latest report — a rise of 66 from the previous week.

The government has previously told Global News the number fluctuates as previous cases are confirmed or delisted.

The province did not provide any further information on the recent deaths. Information on COVID-19 victims, including age, gender, and health region, is no longer included in weekly updates.

The province says four new outbreaks in nursing homes were reported during the period.

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

Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing – very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more serious illness. Older adults and people with serious chronic conditions such as heart, lung or kidney disease are most at risk. If you develop symptoms, contact health authorities.

To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend washing your hands frequently and coughing up your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying at home as much as possible and keeping a two-meter distance from others when you go out. In situations where you cannot maintain a safe distance from others, health officials recommend using a non-medical face mask or cover to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets that can transmit the virus. In some provinces and municipalities across the country, masks or face coverings may be mandatory in indoor public spaces.

For Global News’ full COVID-19 coverage, visit our Coronavirus page.